This is an exceedingly rare, early Leedy model 317, 5 octave, Solo-Tone Monarch marimba-xylophone. As shown in the attached 1928 Leedy catalog, this was the top of the line instrument offered by Leedy in the early part of the 20th century. It has five full octaves of beautiful Honduran rosewood bars with a range of C to C. This is a wide bar instrument with bars ranging in width from 2 3/4" in the low octave to 2" at the top. The rosewood is in excellent condition so the instrument produces the bueatiful rich sound you would expect from top quality vintage roseweed bars. The length of the brass resonators is unlike any other example of this instrument that we have seen, adding to its impressive appearance. Aside from insulators and strings, the instrument is in original condition. The frame pieces and rails have been painted a flat black which provides a nice contrast to the brass, tunable resonators. Its overall length is 94" but given the unique Leedy frame and resonator design, the instrument breaks down into a surprisingly compact space allowing for easy transport. This is a unique opportunity to own one of the hardest to find, professional keyboard instruments ever produced.
General Characteristics | |
Model | No. 317 Monarch |
Era | 1910-1929 |
Condition | Excellent, Completely Reconditioned |
Extra Holes or Modifications | re-painted frame |
Date | 1928 |
Hardware Finish | Brass |
Keyboard Characteristics | |
Octave Range | 5 Octave |
Note Range | C - C |
Tuning | A=440 |
Bar Finish | Natural |
Bar Material | Rosewood |
Length | 94" |