Swanson tonette
20,00 €
| Category | Flageolets & recorders |
| Maker | The Tonette Company |
| Marks and inscriptions | THE / SWANSON / TONETTE / MADE IN / U.S.A. TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. US PATENT D112623 OTHER PATENTS PENDING |
| Period | 1900-present |
| Place of origin | U.S.A. |
| Description | Plastic Swanson tonette |
| Materials | “Tenite” |
| Dimensions | Total length 190 mm Weight 47 g |
| Condition | Working condition |
| Price (€) | €20.00 |
| Ref | 514 |
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Description
Swanson tonette
Ever seen a Swanson tonette before? Here’s one that’s now on sale!
The Swanson tonette was invented by Ziegner SWANSON (1880-1963) in the late 1930s. He obtained a patent for his invention on 20 Dec 1938 – US Patent D112623.
His idea was to make an instrument with a tone like that of a flute, but compacter and easier to play, which could be sold for a dollar. It was to be indestructible. Most manufacturers turned him down and it took him five years to convince one – the Chicago Musical Instrument Co. The new flute was called the Tonette and sold 300,000 the first month.
show more The Swanson tonette is made of “Tenite” which is a brand of cellulosic thermoplastic, created and trademarked by the Eastman Chemical Company. All tonettes feature closed ends, indicating that they are vessel flutes – musical instruments that depend on resonance within a sealed air chamber to produce their sound. So, they are in fact like ocarinas with a row of seven fingerholes on the front and a thumbhole on the back. This particular tonette has a removable mouthpiece to make tuning and cleaning easier! They were made in every colour of the rainbow, although black seems to be the most common. By 1941, over 50% of grammar school students in the United States were being taught tonette. During World War II, the US Army provided thousands of free tonettes to its soldiers – even in camouflage green. It was given away free to troops as a fun way to lift spirits. This particular tonette has escaped destruction although it bears the scars of its playing life so far. It has scuffs and scratches – please see photos. It’s a minimal investment for a remarkable, durable instrument that you can stash in your pocket and enjoy playing anytime! show less
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