Stroh instruments

[Colin McCubbin]

I'm researching the Stroviols instruments which many consider the forerunners of John Dopyera's resonators. I've put a starter page up at:

www.notecannons.com/stroh.html

So please take a look, and, if anyone in Britain or elsewhere can help with information I would really like to hear from them! I've spent an afternoon on the web, and have drawn a blank on finding copies of the patents for example, but did just come upon the fascinating information in a thread on early electric amplification that George Beauchamp visited Britain in the 1910s or 20s to see the Strohviol factory and discuss sound amplification.

That really 'knocked me back' since I've always held the belief that George took John's ideas when he patented the single cone, but if the Stroh conection is true then...

[Michael Messer]

Hi Colin,

I remember when LRC first opened they had a Stroh violin & I did some research on theirs & the owner's behalf. I'll check back into my old back-up folders and what I can find.

Your point about Beauchamp coming to England to see the factory is interesting. Funnliy enough Mark & I were having a similar conversation this morning; there is a single cone tenor Triolian in the original National catalogue with the wood bodied Triolian Tricone. That also throws a spanner in the works! ....especially in the timeline of who did what & when.

I have always been aware that the resophonic guitar was a close relation to the Stroh violin and the Victrola gramophone, but I didn't know that George had been to England. Perhaps he is the 'Beauchamp' in Beauchamp Place in London!!!!!

Shine On,
Michael.

[Alan]

Here is an advertisement from Handicrafts Annual 1931
(prices are shillings/pence - 12 pence=1 shilling, 20 shillings=1 pound or about $4 in 1931)
Fretwork plans for JAP FIDDLEPHONE size 31 in. long No. 5573 Price 2d. post 1d. Neck, knee-piece, reproducer, horn, string, peg, brass-piece, transfers and sundries 5/9, post 9d. A violin bow 3/6, post 6d. Parcel, including bow, 9/3 post 9d.



Have a look at
www.ohek.co.uk/instruments/fiddle.htm

[Alan]

and even stranger

www.springersmusic.co.uk/Library/Stroviols.htm





Lots of pics there even a twin horn! Think I'll stop now