Gary Hurst Design Imperial Dynamic Keyboard - Ultra Rare! 1968-1970s

This is an ultra rare version of the Gary Hurst () design Imperial Keyboard.

There are other variants of this keyboard that do not use sliders for individual sounds (bass piano1, piano2). Univox Compact 2 is a similar model that I have seen, but a different configuration.

Not much known about this one. In terms of dates, I imagine this one is a later design based on the inclusion of rudimentary touch sensitivity; to be honest, I could barely discern it.
Really nice Tremolo and great 60-70's transistor keyboard tones. Split-able bass and piano sounds.

All switches and sliders serviced with Deoxit and are smooth and clean (no crackle)! Sounds great and works as expected.

Missing the screw-in mounting brackets on the side.
Great, fun retro keyboard!

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Gary Hurst is the designer and builder of the Tone Bender MkI.

He started by building radios (he learned that from his father), but he was always very much interested in music, so around 1963 he also built a valve tape echo. In 1965 he built his first Tone Bender pedals, first in a wooden case made by his brother, later in a folded steel case.

In 1968 he left the UK and went to Italy where he designed keyboards for Crumar and Elka.