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Make |
Unknown |
Model |
Dulcitone |
Description |
This is a Dulcitone tuning-fork piano, an acoustic ancestor of the Rhodes piano. Its sound is somewhere between a celeste and a 'bass music-box' (if such a thing existed). This example was made by Thomas Machell & Sons of Glasgow in the early 1900s and is in unusually good condition. Cosmetically it has very few marks or signs of ageing, and all keys are present, as is the original pedal. The legs can be secured and locked upright or folded for travel, and internally there is a 'travel bar' which can be secured in position during shipping to prevent excessive movement of the tuning-forks. Internally all forks are present, along with all key-return springs, and the resonator board features the printed signature of Thomas Machell. Both manufacturer's labels are present, though one has come unglued and is now kept loose in the case.
Playability is good for an instrument over a century old, and better than most I have encountered. There are no dead keys, all notes produce a sound and no keys stick. Some notes sustain for longer than others due to age-related variations of the damper mechanism, and there are a small number of notes that make metallic vibrating or harsher harmonic tones. These are likely to be poorly fitted to or detached from the metal springs connecting the forks to the resonator board.
To be clear, this is not a restored instrument, it will require some minor repairs and the keys adjusting by a piano tech if you wish to restore it to concert standard. However if you simply wish to play it and embrace the sound of its age-related faults it is ready to use. Originally bought for a research project this is one of eight Dulcitones that have passed through my hands and one of the best.
Famous Dulcitone users include Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo, Rick Wakeman, Simon Jeffes of Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Skepta and Vashti Bunyan, also film/tv composers Geoff Zanelli, Jon Brion, Patrick Warren and Frank Ilfman. |
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Age |
100 year |
Weight |
30 kg |
Condition |
Very good |
Location |
Uk |
Vat |
Not from a VAT-registered business. But VAT / duty may be due if importing from outside your trade bloc. |
Quantity |
1 item is available from the owner |
Options |
User manual : No |
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Service manual : No |
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First owner : No |
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Original boxes : No |
Plug type |
Plug not required |
Voltage type |
Power supply not needed |
Status |
Item has been sold or not sold in a previous auction |
Sale type |
The item is on the auction rooms |
Ending on |
12/11/2022 |
Category |
Keyboard |
Serial number |
3381 |
Sphere reference |
# 25710 |
Statistics |
Created on : 08/11/2022 |
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Changed on : 08/11/2022 |
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Published on : 08/11/2022 |
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Displayed : 660 time(s) by members and guests |
Safety |
All electrical items sold in VEMIA are deemed to be trade sales. No warranty of electrical safety is given or implied. Many items are vintage and would not pass current electrical safety standards. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that items are safe to use in their future environment - if necessary by using the services of a professional. |
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The following section gives you the prices as well as shipment and payment conditions associated with the item. Payment is always requested in GBP. Converted price is shown for information and converted with Sphere standard currency rate.
Shipment and Payment links gives you access to an extended description of our rating :
Start price |
800 GBP |
Converted price (1) |
800 GBP |
Shipment |
International or local shipment to pay |
Packing costs |
0 GBP |
Payment |
Full pre payment needed |
Auction bid step |
20 GBP |
Auction highest bid |
820 GBP |
Converted highest bid |
820 GBP |
Leader or winner |
verdier41 |
(1) Currency conversion |
Note that conversion rates were last adjusted on 10th October 2024 at 10:56 CET. They are there to give you a rough guide to the bid price in your currency. Please check for a more up-to-date conversion at https://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html. The bid price will be the actual price in pounds (GBP) at the moment the auction closes. This will be roughly converted to your currency for your information.
For technical reasons, we are unable to update the conversion from GBP to Euro during the auction, although it may change at any time. If you are in the euro zone please check the current rate at https://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
Payments must always be in GBP. For more info please see the FAQ about exchange rates.https://spheremusic.com/Winfaq.asp?Question=91. |
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