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Hupfeld

PHONOLISZT VIOLINA

1910

Hupfeld Phonoliszt Violina
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This Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina is one of the most complex music players ever made. It can mimick violin virtuosos and big band leaders.

900 MUSIC ROLLS
1 PLAYER PIANO
3 VIOLINS
88 KEYS
1350 HORSE HAIRS
106”3 x 66”9 x 43”3

Hupfeld
Leipzig, Germany
Europe

Manufacturer

The Hupfeld Phonoliszt Violina was produced by Ludwig Hupfeld.

Hupfeld began experimenting with a violin player shortly after 1900. An instrument maker and industrialist, Hupfeld realized the novelty of an automatic violin and the large potential market for it.

Once made in the 1000s to entertain patrons of upscale hotels, restaurants, and cafes, these extraordinary machines have become increasingly rare, and only 63 still exist today.

sources
A Hupfeld factory scene during the early 1900’s. About a dozen large orchestrions are shown in variuous stages of assembly.Ludwig Hupfeld factory in 1911 in Böhlitz-Ehrenberg, Leipzig
A Hupfeld factory scene during the early 1900’s. About a dozen large orchestrions are shown in variuous stages of assembly.Ludwig Hupfeld factory in 1911 in Böhlitz-Ehrenberg, Leipzig

technique

The Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina consists of three violins and the self-playing Phonoliszt Autograph Player which accompanies the violins in the most artistic manner.

The interplay of the included instruments is arranged as follows: The violins are placed inside of a rotating horsehair bow with 1350 horsehairs, with which they are brought in contact during the playing.

The bow comes in contact with the violin under different grades of pressure to produce the softer or louder gradations of sound. Any desired effects and subtleties of play, such as staccato, legato, glissando, or vibrato are provided for. And when you find yourself in need of the sordino effect it most certainly will surprise you, as it works without any noise in contrast to play by human hand.

sources
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