Details
Image(s)
TitleSelf-Playing Zither ‘Chordephon’
CreatorChordephon Musikwerke (manufacturer)
PlaceLeipzig (Germany)
Year ca. 1910
Object number0563
Object categorymechanical plucked string instruments
Object namemechanical zither, string instrument with disc
DescriptionThe Chordephon is a mechanical plucked string instrument. The programme on the metal plate activates a series of star wheels under the disc, which in turn pluck the desired strings as programmed. It is driven by a detachable spring motor.
Accompanying textsThis instrument has 44 keys and its repertoire includes 'La Paloma'.
This chordephon was manufactured in Leipzig, an epicentre of mechanical music at the time. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, several other brands of similar mechanical plucked string instruments were also available, such as the Cymbalpianette, Arpanetta and Triola. This model of Chordephon went into production from 1895.
This chordephon was manufactured in Leipzig, an epicentre of mechanical music at the time. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, several other brands of similar mechanical plucked string instruments were also available, such as the Cymbalpianette, Arpanetta and Triola. This model of Chordephon went into production from 1895.
Dimensions
geheel height: 10.5 cm
geheel width: 41 cm
geheel depth: 63 cm
plaat diameter: 36 cm
geheel width: 41 cm
geheel depth: 63 cm
plaat diameter: 36 cm
Digital references