-40%

1920s Leedy Vibraphone - 3 octaves F-F - bars, resonators, and partial frame

$ 157.87

Availability: 100 in stock

Description

This is an original generation Leedy Vibraphone. Between 1924 and 1929, Leedy produced about 25 of these instruments. These were the first to feature rotating fans in the resonators and the first instruments sold under the trademarked name "Vibraphone."
This instrument has the same range as a modern vibraphone, F3-F6. The bars are steel rather than aluminum. They are only tuned at the fundamental. Bars are all 1/4" thick. The lowest bar is 2 1/4 x 12 7/8" and the highest bar is 1 1/2 x 5 3/4". There is some surface corrosion, as pictured.
There is no bar cord with this design—the bars rest on felt on the rails where they are held in place by posts and a metal strip that is mounted over them. One of these metal strips is missing. The felt on the rails and the metal strip is damaged in places. The posts and screws have been removed; some might be missing. Some of the rubber bushings are damaged.
The frame is incomplete. It includes the rails, which are assembled into two sections for the upper and lower manuals. It does not include the wooden supports for the sides or the larger metal part of the frame.
The resonators have a few dents and scratches and may have been refinished at one point.
The motor, switch, and cord are missing.
This instrument was designed without a pedal damping system. It was only added on later models.
*****
An excellent history of the creation of this instrument is here: http://www.hopestreetmarimba.com/thank-you-herman-e-winterhoff/
*****
By default I use UPS Ground with calculated shipping. Weight is 99 pounds.
I offer a 100% refund, including shipping cost, for any reason, as long as I receive the refund request within 30 days of delivery. The buyer pays return shipping.
Thanks for looking!
(lot #167)