Phonoland

Non-tech question, more history like.
What does the moniker Symphanola refer to on the early Seeburg jukeboxes?
I originally thought the use stopped after the the Symphanola Q, but found it used on the early Seeburg's through the trash can models.
Is Symphanola just a fancy way to write Jukebox?
Was it and engineer reference to a design trait?
I got confused when doing some research until I realized that it did not apply to only the lettered models of the mid 30's,
Thank you, curious Craig.

I'd venture a guess that "Symphonola" was used as a trade name for Seeburg models in much the same way "Orthophonic" and "Viva-Tonal" were used to brand the improved line of acoustic phonographs produced by the Victor Talking Machine Co., and the Columbia Phonograph Co., a few years earlier.

The "ola" suffix, itself, was used as part of the brand name for numerous talking machines (or gramophones) sold in the US starting in the teens, when the key patents held by the three major manufacturers began to expire, and new companies were allowed to enter the market. -- see: http://www.gracyk.com/makers.shtml Victor actually started the trend in 1906, with their first cabinet model featuring an enclosed horn, and this was readily copied by the newcomers, though "ola" had been used previously on musical instruments such as the "Pianola" -- see -- http://www.intertique.com/WhoPutTheOla.htm

In the case of Symphonola, of course, you have the words "Symphony" combined with "ola," probably done to indicate that the Seeburg automatic phonograph (Jukebox) produces a symphony of sound. Symphonola means "little symphony," if you subscribe to the theory that "ola" means "little."

Interestingly, prior to Seeburg's usage, Symphonola was used to brand a line of talking machines produced in Canada -- http://keithwright.ca/CAPP/Symphonola/Symphonola.html

JDS

Hi Guy's,
Not knowing anything about this subject,I assume that you are correct, Joe.
The answer triggered another question in my feeble mind. What's with "RockOla" ?
I know for a fact, that Mr. Rockola existed--I was able to shake his hand twice. Unless he changed his name--at some point--- ??? Ron Rich

Doghouse,
If your "reliable informant" told you he changed it to "Rock-Ola", IMHO, he is incorrect. As far as I know, his name was "Rockola"--His manufacturing co.'s name was "RockOla", and/or "Rock-ola", in different versions till this day. I had a very brief discussion with him about this, and he assured me that HIS name, was "always all one word". I don't believe I had the time to ask him if he had ever changed it--if so, I do not recall the answer. Ron Rich

Hi Riley,
I did understand "the joke"--I was attempting to "enhance it "--guess I failed ( I do understand SOME British/English! )
Ron Rich

You all are too much. I now know how to identify British humor, since I originally missed it and took all you had to tell as gospel. I have since used white out to remove it from the good book of jukebox history.
Thank you for the input and information, I hope I posted the request for history information in the correct forum.
Knowledge is a priceless gift, Thank you, Craig

Craig,
Just to CYA, in this age of the PC Police, I am going to let the reader fill in anything he / she wishes, in the blanks, following---
Do you know how to tell the ----- has been using your computer ??
There is white-out all over the screen !
(You must be one of "them"!!)
Ron Rich

Ron, I thought you were supposed to make sure everybody behaves, not be the instigator.
I am in need of some real assistance and will be posting another request for help, but will start it as a new topic.
Craig.

Craig,
Whut kin I say--sometimes I'm "just in one of those moods"
Ron Rich

Craig

It's actually spelled "Symphonola." In Latin countries such as Mexico, a jukebox is called a "Symphonola."