Vibraphones
Vibraphones were devices patented by Charles Fensky about 1923. They were
produced until about 1935.
Vibraphones were apparently considered fraudulent although attempts to stop their production and advertising were unsuccessful.
They were manufactured in various sizes (the ones shown above are the
large size) and consisted of silver chambers
in an “L” shaped design. Inside the larger chamber were small metal
reeds that vibrated with the sound. It is doubtful that they would have
helped anyone, even with a mild hearing loss.
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Sounds enter the Vibraphones through a ring hole in the bottom
of the large chamber (right).
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The two tiny reeds in the Vibraphone are exposed when the end cover
is taken off. |
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Vibraphones came in at least 3 sizes—large (R-4), medium (R-2) and small
(R-1). |
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As you can see on the box, these Vibraphones (large size) were made by the European Vibraphone Co.
in London.
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