If it is possible for him, I think it would be great if postings of
responses appeared here also. I'd be very interested in what he finds out.

Prentice, Will wrote:
> Colleagues
>
> The request for info below is copied with consent from the IASA list. Please
> respond to the sender directly at [log in to unmask] as he's not an ARSC
> list member.
> Thanks
>
> Will
>
>
>>Hello all,
>>
>>There is a collection of aluminium discs recorded in Papua New Guinea in
>>1937. As I have a copy of the invoice, I know exactly what machine was
>>used: "VHANZ - Model F-29 Double Turntable Fairchild-Proctor Recorder",
>>supplied by Fairchild Aerial Camera Corporation (New York). The cost for
>>the recorder and a multitude of replacement parts was over USD 1500, which
>>must have been quite expensive at the time.
>>
>>This was one of the first (if not THE first) collection made here using
>>microphones and a separate power supply. Although the expedition that used
>>it collapsed after only a month, 34 discs (10", 12", and mostly 16")
>>survive.
>>
>>My questions: are any of you familiar with this company (Fairchild) or the
>>equipment used? Was the equipment at all common at this time? Were
>>aluminium discs a very popular medium for field work? There are more
>>questions, but first I'd like to find someone familiar with this.
>>
>>Thanks for your help.
>>
>>Don Niles
>>Head & Senior Ethnomusicologist
>>Music Department
>>Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies
>>P.O. Box 1432
>>Boroko 111
>>PAPUA NEW GUINEA
>>
>>tel.: [675] 325-4644
>>fax: [675] 325-0531
>>email: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
> **************************************************************************
>
> Experience the British Library online at www.bl.uk
>
> Help the British Library conserve the world's knowledge. Adopt a Book.
> www.bl.uk/adoptabook
>
> *************************************************************************
>
> The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and may be legally
> privileged. It is intended for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the
> intended recipient, please delete this e-mail and notify the
> [log in to unmask] : The contents of this e-mail must not be disclosed or
> copied without the sender's consent.
>
> The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the
> author and do not necessarily reflect those of the British Library. The
> British Library does not take any responsibility for the views of the
> author.
>
> *************************************************************************
>
>
>