I'd Love To See This in Operation

[phonogfp]

Although not a phonograph, this contraption (Karsy's Myriphon) must rank as one of the strangest mechanical musical instruments devised. It took six people to operate it (4 stage hands behind; Mr. & Mrs. Karsy in front), and consisted of 25 revolving wheels with 2000 piano wire strings, capable of producing 50 chromatic tones.

It was exhibited at the Birmingham Hippodrome(UK)in February/March 1901:

http://birminghamhippodromeheritage.com ... show-1527/

It was also played in new York (Union Square or Coney island) around the same time:

https://books.google.com/books?id=0Bmna ... on&f=false

George P.

[alang]

Wow! What kind of music did they play? What became if the machine? Reminds me a bit of Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times. Or the big machine in Metropolis...

Thanks for sharing
Andreas

[phonogfp]

I'm assuming all those wheels were spinning simultaneously like parasols. It must have been quite a sight.

George P.

[De Soto Frank]

Another "lost" musical monstrosity...

Not unlike Thaddeus Cahill's "Telharmonium" (as in: complicated, now gone, no recordings exist, etc.)


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telharmonium