|
4
5
r
p
m
a
n
d
S
o
u
n
d
S
y
s
t
e
m
s
|
T
h
e
V
a
l
v
e
A
m
p
l
i
f
i
e
r
|
|
|
|
The Powerful
Valve Amplifiers
|
|
The sound
systems consist of powerful valve amplifiers ranging
from 500 watts up to 2000 watts single mono channel,
stereo was not yet in effect. The sound systems
were model on separates which included a turntable,
amplifier and either two or four speaker boxes similar
to a large double door wardrobe but without the
doors fitted with one or two 30inch in diameter
speakers. These housing were known as "The
House of Joy," and these Sound Systems was transported
by flatbed trucks to the places either where the
competitions were being held or to house parties
or clubs. When it was competition time four or five
other sound systems would play in dance hall venues
to determine who was the champion sound of the musical
arena decided by the crowd and followers. Clement
Dodd named his sound system "Coxsone the Downbeat"
named after the Yorkshire cricketer Coxsone.
Duke Reid
sound system "The Trojan," named after the flatbed
truck he used for transporting his sound equipment
or mobile discotheque to dance halls and open air
venues. These two men played a critical role in
the sound systems entertainment playing heavily
relied upon American imported records during the
1950's onwards through to the early 60's when the
they began recording their own tracks to gain an
advantage over the next sound system. It was normal
to scratch out name of tune off the record label
in order that other competitors of soundmen could
not see the name of the record was playing and to
stop the records being stolen by their counterparts.
Duke Reid was smarter than the other sound systems
operators. Reid decided that to become the most
popular sound system everybody wanted by sponsoring
radio shows, opening with an instrumental tune of
my mothers eyes.
|
|
|
|
T
h
e
V
a
l
v
e
A
m
p
l
i
f
i
e
r
|
4
5
r
p
m
a
n
d
S
o
u
n
d
S
y
s
t
e
m
s
|
