This is a rare Deagan model 4540 Nagaed Marimbaphone from the 1920's. As shown in the attached description from the Deagan catalog G from the early 1920's, this is the large size marimbaphone with 2 15/16" wide bars suitable for a large ensemble. The Deagan marimbaphone was designed to be played with either bows or mallets. The concave shape of the bar ends and the ability to rotate the entire keyboard 90 degrees make bowing these bars a synch. The bars of this 3 1/2 octave instrument are all in excellent condition as are the nickel plated solid brass resonators. The stand is also in perfect working order with good nickel plating that shows no signs of rust or corrosion. The wooden frame pieces are original but the four handles, one at the end of each rail, are modern replacements that resemble the original parts. Everything works as it should and the key racks can be rotated and locked into place for playing with either mallets or bows. This is one of the most unique and rarest of the Deagan keyboard percussion inventions from the 1920's. It will make a great performance instrument or addition to a keyboard percussion collection.
General Characteristics | |
Model | No. 4540 |
Era | 1910-1929 |
Condition | Excellent |
Extra Holes or Modifications | New Handles, some replaced thumb screws |
Date | 1920s |
Hardware Finish | Nickel |
Keyboard Characteristics | |
Octave Range | 3 1/2 Octave |
Note Range | F - C |
Tuning | A = 440 |
Bar Finish | Natural |
Bar Material | Rosewood |
Length | 68 1/2" |