1920s Marxolin

MARXOLIN

This strange little instrument is called the Marxolin. It is a type of fretless guitar- played with a violin bow. The measurements are 24 inches long by 9 inches wide by 1 3/8 inches deep. The Marxolin was invented by violinist and teacher Henry Charles Marx and mass produced by his company, The Marxochine Company, in Troy, Michigan, beginning in 1927. The Marxolin was possibly sold until 1972, but its heyday was earlier in the century, more likely the 1930s and 1940s. With a slogan of "Anyone Can Play," it was often sold door to door, and for a brief time it was sold in the Sears Roebuck Catalog, which accounts for the label inside the instrument which proclaims a price of $35 and a "limited number for $17.50." In actuality, they sold for whatever the market would bear, which was sometimes more or less than that $35 sticker price. The chords are simple and were easily adaptable to church hymns. This instrument has a little swing-down tab that might have propped it up a bit on a table; one played the instrument with it flat on a table or on one's knees, not standing up. This one is in Fair shape for its age, with some dirt and discoloration,. It is missing some strings, which appear to be violin and guitar strings. Tuning was done by a key, which is missing here. There is no bow with this, but most music stores which sell instruments can help you out with acquiring one if you want to play this little Marxolin. In fact, it may be possible to acquire sheet music for this instrument by searching the web, and possible by see what it sounds like. Even if you don't want to try making music, this interesting little instrument would look great on display!