The Duplex Phonograph

The Duplex Phonograph Company, originating in the early 20th century, played a notable role in the evolution of phonographic technology. This company was particularly known for its innovative design of a dual-horn phonograph.

Emergence of The Duplex Phonograph
The company’s fame stemmed from its unique two-horned phonograph, conceived to provide “twice the sound”. This design was a notable deviation from the single-horn phonographs prevalent in that era​​.

Charles E. Hill – The Brain Behind the Innovation
The Duplex two-horn phonograph was the brainchild of Charles E. Hill, a Canadian immigrant and self-taught expert in phonographs. Hill, who had been working in the phonograph industry since the 1890s, developed his dual-horn system concept during this time​​. He officially patented his “Phonograph Reproducer Attachment” in 1904​.

​Formation of The Duplexophone Manufacturing Company
In April 1905, Hill and his associates formed The Duplexophone Manufacturing Company in Lancaster County, Nebraska, with an initial capital of $300,000. Hill set up his operation in a former woodworking mill in Lincoln, Nebraska​​.
Despite favorable reviews and ambitious plans, including producing 50,000 machines by the end of the year, the manufacturing operation in Nebraska did not fully materialize​​.

Shift to Kalamazoo and Collaboration with Kalamazoo Novelty Company
Dissatisfied with the progress in Nebraska, Hill moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and partnered with the Kalamazoo Novelty Company (KNC), a manufacturer specializing in custom mechanisms and patent development. This partnership resulted in the production of the Duplex phonograph’s prototype​. By the end of 1905, the two companies had struck a manufacturing deal, leading to the first run of Duplex machines being produced by January’s end​.

Incorporation and Expansion
In March 1906, the Duplex Phonograph Company was officially incorporated in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a capital stock of $100,000. This incorporation did not include Charles Hill or other officers from the original Duplexophone company. The company’s operations were firmly established in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where it began to see significant growth and demand​​. By September 1906, a new factory was operational on Paterson Street in Kalamazoo, with a daily output of 150 machines​​.

The Duplex Phonograph Company was located at 210-214 North Rose Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan, during its collaboration with the Kalamazoo Novelty Company.

Later, the company set up its manufacturing facility at the northeast corner of Walbridge and Paterson streets in Kalamazoo​​.