InstrumentXylophone |
Instrument FamilyPercussion |
MakerPremier; Besson & Co |
Date MadeCirca 1935 |
DescriptionTechnical description: Bars, width 45, in keyboard layout; tube-resonated; split-frame orchestral model; adjustable depth of resonators for tone adjustment. Adjustment of resonator height is by a mechanical linkage with ratchet position for locking height of resonators. Wooden frame members are mounted in cast aluminium end caps. End caps of frame have four friction cam grips to tension the note-bar strings when assembled. Frame is pressed steel tubes with angle-iron members. Wheels (4 originally) are mounted in castings screwed to the legs of the frame. Lowest bars are undercut in centre to adjust the ratio between 1st and 2nd mode frequencies to 4.0 (i.e. two octaves), and the undercutting reduces progressively to nothing on the highest notes. Some representative measurements are as follows, the mode frequencies in Hz:-
C4 (1st mode) 261.1 (2nd mode) 1046.0 (ratio) 4.01
F#4 (1st mode) 370.6 (2nd mode) 1479.3 (ratio) 3.99
C5 (1st mode) 525.9 (2nd mode) 1970.6 (ratio) 3.75
F#5 (1st mode) 737.1 (2nd mode) 2402.3 (ratio) 3.26
C6 (1st mode) 1036.7 (2nd mode) 3162.6 (ratio) 3.05
F#6 (1st mode) 1467.7 (2nd mode) 4023.8 (ratio) 2.74
Repair History: Frame originally chromed finish, now painted silver. |
NotesR. Parks, 5.9.98; A. Myers; C. Overton, 22.08.98. |
Measurementsc 1730. |
ProvenancePurchased in 1983 with assistance from the Government's Local Museums Purchase Fund and the University's General Council Trust. |
CollectionMIMEd; Ross Collection |
Accession Number1775 |