Columbia 5-Inch Concert Cylinder – “Medley of Coon Songs” – Mandolin Performance, Fair Playable Sound

Antique Columbia Concert Cylinder (5-Inch) – Mandolin Instrumental – Medley of Coon Songs

This is an original 5‑inch Columbia Concert cylinder record, titled “Medley of Coon Songs,” performed on mandolin—a lively and representative example of turn‑of‑the‑century American popular music. The oversized 5-inch Concert format delivers stronger volume and fuller tonal presence than standard 2‑minute cylinders, making these records especially desirable among phonograph collectors, early recording historians, and owners of Concert‑grade machines.

The mandolin performance weaves together several popular melodies from the late 1890s–early 1900s. As with many early recordings, the period title reflects the naming conventions of the era rather than modern terminology; collectors value these cylinders today for their historical significance, musical documentation, and scarcity in playable condition.

This example presents well visually and plays with fair but fully legible sound quality. Expect some surface noise typical of surviving Concert cylinders, but the mandolin line remains clearly discernible throughout. Playback quality will vary depending on equipment, but these large Columbia Concert records are known for their bold acoustic presence when paired with a proper Concert reproducer and horn.

A strong addition for collectors of:

• Columbia 5-inch Concert cylinders
• Oversize phonograph records
• Mandolin and instrumental cylinder recordings
• Early American sound recordings (1890s–1900s)
• Historically significant pre‑disc audio formats

A scarce and impressive Concert‑format cylinder that captures the energy and instrumentation of early American popular music.