Solovox keyboard
Date1940-1942 or 1945-1946 ca.
Place MadeChicago, Illinois, United States, North America
ModelModel J, Series A
Serial No.39161
SignedIncised on front of keyboard unit: HAMMONDOn engraved metal tag mounted to underside of keyboard, with copper-colored lettering over a dark brown background: HAMMOND SOLOVOX KEYBOARD / U.S. PAT. RE. 20831 RE 21137-2099204-2117002-2142580 / 2203432-2203569-DES. 123686 / OTHER PATENTS PENDING / SERIAL NO. 39161 MODEL J SERIES A / IMPORTANT – FOR CONNECTION TO SERIES A / SOLOVOX TONE CABINET ONLY / LICENSED ONLY FOR AMATEUR AND EXPERIMENTAL USE / HAMMOND INSTRUMENT CO. CHICAGO. ILL. / MADE IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
MarkingsIncised on front of keyboard above corresponding switch, left to right: : BASS, TENOR, CONTRALTO, SOPRANO, VIBRATO / OFF, FAST ATTACK, MUTE, DEEP TONE, FULL TONE, FIRST VOICE, SECOND VOICE, BRILLIANT
Printed paper label mounted on underside of keyboard, with white lettering on a red background: CAUTION / PERMANENT INJURY TO THIS DEVICE WILL / RESULT IF SCREWS ENTER THIS BOTTOM / SURFACE MORE THAN 1/8 INCH PO. 18838-1
DescriptionThe Solovox is a monophonic electronic keyboard instrument employing an LC oscillator (capacitor and coil in parallel) for tone generation. It is mounted below a conventional piano keyboard to allow the performer to generate different sonic effects.
The range is two octaves, beginning on a C; twelve (12) voice buttons
The tone generating component is housed in a metal rectangular box below the piano keyboard, and the solovox keyboard, comprised of white and black plastic keys is mounted to a unit with a black plastic front and dark brown plastic rectangular pivoting switches for voice controls.
DimensionsWidth: 544 mm (21-3/8”)
Height: 160 mm (6-1/4”)
Length: 252 mm (9-7/8”)
ProvenanceUsed by Rev. Roger D. Grow (1921-2007) in the 1940s to perform background music to help support his family in Watertown. He played the instrument for enjoyment in the 1950s through 1960s in South Dakota and Nebraska. See letter in file from donor.
Credit LineGift of Kathy Grow, 2010
Object number14456
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