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Vintage 1929 American Marxolin with Case

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Music Memorabilia Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 300.00 USD
Vintage 1929 American Marxolin with Case
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD IN “AS IS” CONDITION, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THE ITEMS OFFERED WERE ALL COLLECTED FOR THEIR DISPLAYABILITY, AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE IN WORKING CONDITION. Please call us at (818) 937-9399 or email us at blacksparrowauctions@gmail.com for condition reports or any general inquiry.
The Marxolin is considered by many to be the most unusual and unplayable instrument ever made. It was presumably designed by Marx to resemble a 1930s roadster. It has two bodies stacked on one, 18 strings that are bowed with a double bow (which allows you to play thirds all the time, like it or not) and a number of gizmos including four metal chord thumpers (replacing the need to strum chord strings), that produce a Hawaiian steel guitar sound (hence the other name of this instrument– the Hawaii'lin), and two little levers that raise the pitch of the strings a half step, in theory. The other gizmo is a wire music holder though some claim it is a string damper. Who knows– with Marx it could be anything! Instrument measures 20" x 6.75". Comes housed in original 7.5" x 21" case with felt lining. The case shows moderate age and wear, but in very good condition. Instrument shows some wear. Four screws at lower left and right are missing. Fading of label at bottom. Some yellowing from glue residue. Otherwise, in very good condition. From the collection of Ken McMeans. 20% of the proceeds will benefit the Jeremy Wilson Foundation.