Storytone
Alternate name(s)
- Upright piano
- Spinet piano
Maker
Story & Clark
Date1940 ca.
Place MadeChicago, Illinois, United States, North America
ModelStorytone
Serial No.164651
SignedGold and black decal on nameboard: STORY AND CLARK / STORYTONE / VOICED BY RCA-VICTORCast into iron plate on treble upper corner: STORY & CLARK
MarkingsStamped into plate near lid: 164651
Cast into right side of plate: 4045 C [C is smaller than numbers]
DescriptionThe Storytone piano is an electrically amplified (electromagnetic pickups mounted over piano strings) upright spinet piano with no soundboard. It was a collaboration between RCA (radio) and the Story & Clark (piano) companies. It debuted at the 1939 World's Fair in New York. The matching bench features both a radio and a turntable (Victrola), features that are built into the competing Ansley Dyna-Tone. The case is an iconic art-deco creation of John Vassos, the industrial designer who did other work for RCA.
Compass: AAA-c5
Volume and tone knobs on bass side. On / off on treble side.
Three pedals: soft, sustain, swell
ProvenanceOriginally owned by donor's father, who traded in his Baldwin organ to get this instrument, some time in the late 1940s or early 1950s. It has been in the family since and was regularly used. In fact, the donor learned to play piano on this instrument.
Credit LineGift of Gary and Norma Nelson, in memory of Norman P. Nelson, 2023
Object number15733
On View
Not on view
