According to the excellent website 120 Years of Electronic Music the Solovox was designed by engineers Alan Young, John Hanert, Laurens Hammond (speaker cabinet) and George Stephens of the Hammond Organ Co and manufactured in the United States between 1940 and 1948. The Hammond Solovox was a monophonic ‘keyboard attachment’ instrument intended to accompany the piano with organ type lead voices – similar to the Clavioline and Tuttivox. The three octave short keyed keyboard was stored on a sliding mounting under the piano keyboard with a knee operated volume control. The instrument was connected to an electronic sound generation box, amplifier and speaker housing by three thick cables and derived it’s sound from a single LC oscillator with a one octave frequency range – the signal from which was then passed through a series of 5 frequency dividers to create a further two octaves.
This instrument is currently on loan outside of the MESS Studio.
It will be unavailable for booking during this time, but we’ll update its availability as soon as it is back.
The SOLOVOX is currently being serviced
This instrument is currently undergoing maintenance to ensure we keep the MESS collection in top condition. Regular servicing is essential to preserve the quality and functionality of our instruments.
It will be unavailable for booking during this time, but we’ll update its availability as soon as the servicing is complete.
The SOLOVOX is a great way to get started!
Starter Synths are user-friendly, versatile, and a great introduction to the world of sound creation. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your skills, our Starter Synths offer an accessible way to dive into synthesis with confidence.
According to the excellent website 120 Years of Electronic Music the Solovox was designed by engineers Alan Young, John Hanert, Laurens Hammond (speaker cabinet) and George Stephens of the Hammond Organ Co and manufactured in the United States between 1940 and 1948. The Hammond Solovox was a monophonic ‘keyboard attachment’ instrument intended to accompany the piano with organ type lead voices – similar to the Clavioline and Tuttivox. The three octave short keyed keyboard was stored on a sliding mounting under the piano keyboard with a knee operated volume control. The instrument was connected to an electronic sound generation box, amplifier and speaker housing by three thick cables and derived it’s sound from a single LC oscillator with a one octave frequency range – the signal from which was then passed through a series of 5 frequency dividers to create a further two octaves.
