Edison long play records

I have heard that Edison produced 10" and 12" long play records. Playing times are mentioned of 24 minutes and 40 minutes. I have a 12" that states 24 minutes on the label. Does anyone know how the 40 minute are designated and is it 40 minutes per side or two sides of 20? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Its been a long time since I owned a Long Play machine but if I recall right often he used standard selections and recorded them onto the records. I think on the 10 inch they may have had three normal length records so it would be about right at 12 minutes a side. I would doubt that a 12 inch record could run much longer than the 20 minutes per side your assuming.

I just looked at the label on the rear of the Frow Edison Disc Machines which shows a Long play 10" record. It shows three selections of standard length to one side. So my thoughts were correct.

The downfall to those machines was weak tone, no new selections, and breakdown of the grooves which meant they refused to track properly after a while.

Larry

Here is my Edison 3-C Long Play phonograph playing a 10" 24-minute record.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W62mP1x46T8

24-minute LP #10002, "Recollections of Gilbert and Sullivan" selection: "The Pirates of Penzance".