Solovox keyboard
Date1940-1942 or 1945-1946 ca.
Place MadeChicago, Illinois, United States, North America
ModelModel J, Series A
Serial No.9316
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 / OTHER PATENTS PENDING / SERIAL NO. 9316 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”)
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number00473
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