unknown instrument?

Jack Goodson · Post by **Jack Goodson** » 25 Apr 2010 6:35 pm

just wondering if anyone knows what this is, it has no numbers or name.....thanks jack

Ben Elder · Post by **Ben Elder** » 25 Apr 2010 7:08 pm

Probably a Tremoloa or something related to it and/or similarly odd instruments made by the Michigan-based Marx Company (not the toy company.) These date from '20s-ish and were marketed door-to-door, although I rarely see how-to-play instructions. Attics across America are still overflowing with these three-quarters of a century later. The only living person I know that can play anything Marx made is the folksinger Claudia Schmidt who incorporated a Marxophone into her act. (She used to be on Prairie Home Companion in the 80s, although a few years back I saw her on the Travel Channel running a B&B in Wisconsin.) I found much to search on Google in the way of fretless zithers and Marx instruments.

Skip Ellis · Post by **Skip Ellis** » 26 Apr 2010 8:37 am

I think it's called a "Ukelin" - it's played with a bow somehow. Pretty much what Ben said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWJ0gLONYeM

Blake Hawkins · Post by **Blake Hawkins** » 26 Apr 2010 9:47 am

Skip is correct. That is a "Ukelin" I have one. Got it about 30 years ago and am still wondering what to do with it.
Also Ben's marketing information is accurate.

Mine has a label in the sound hole which reads:

"Price $40.00
UKELIN
Distributed Exclusively by the
Manufacturers Advertising Co.
93 Ferry Street
Jersey City, N.J."

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 26 Apr 2010 10:24 am

I think it's related to the "Swinette"

Jack Goodson · Post by **Jack Goodson** » 26 Apr 2010 6:48 pm

thanks fellows, this belongs to my cousin. are they still worth around 40.00 or not?....thanks for the help....jack

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 27 Apr 2010 10:33 am

looks kinda like a henway!

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 27 Apr 2010 10:54 am

On a sidenote, singer, songwriter Marc Benno played it on this record, but I'm still trying to figure out on which track.
http://www.geocities.jp/hideki_wtnb/marc2nd.html

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 27 Apr 2010 2:18 pm

OK Chris, I'll make your day for you. What's a "Henway"?

Ken Pippus · Post by **Ken Pippus** » 27 Apr 2010 3:42 pm

Drachmas. No, wait, that's what a Greek Urns.

KP

Clete Ritta · Post by **Clete Ritta** » 27 Apr 2010 6:56 pm

I learn something new here every day! Now I know what a Ukelin looks like.

Ben Elder wrote:Probably a Tremoloa or something related to it...

Just recently this thread came up re:tremoloa
And this older thread.

Clete

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 28 Apr 2010 9:03 am

bob..you'll have to ask erv..he's got the poultry scale...
hey, tell my sister hello...she lives in edmonton.