What is this Instrument?

Subject: What is this Instrument?
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 05:46 PM

Copied from the Help Forum:

Subject: what is this musical instrument?
From: jimpiccolo
Date: 23-Apr-01 - 04:06 PM

I have come across an old instrument and would like to know what it is. It looks like a ukulele but instead of a soundbox there is a metal plate with a large metal horn coming out from the back. Could it be something connected with early recording techniques? Would be grateful for any info.

jimpiccolo

Subject: RE: What is this Instrument?
From: Bedubya
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 06:06 PM

In the early days of the recording industry, there were apparently many different instruments made with horns attached to better aim the sound at the yet-to-be-perfected mikes. I have seen pictures of violins and rebeks with horns, so why not a uke?

Subject: RE: What is this Instrument?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 06:24 PM

I'd say that Bedubya has it right.......Lots of wacky stuff at times and this was probably a one-off kinda' thing. There are several examples of other instruments with a similar treatment....Somebody just ran across a fiddle not too long ago.

Spaw

Subject: RE: What is this Instrument?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 06:36 PM

So it's a blowout instead of a pickup?

~S~

Subject: RE: What is this Instrument?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 26 Apr 01 - 05:00 PM

I havw a video of The Fury Bros playing thesae instruments. I seem to recall a Fiddle, Guitar, and others. There is a name specific to this type of instrument that ofcourse escapes at the mo. I've only seen them as museum pieces. Great sound and probably they have considerable collector value.

Don

Subject: RE: What is this Instrument?
From: GUEST,jimpiccolo
Date: 27 Apr 01 - 02:23 PM

thanks for suggetions re. the instrument. If I get any info. that's more conclusive i'll pass it on.

jimpiccolo.