Marxophone

The bounce rate is somewhat fixed, as it is based on the spring steel strip length, hammer weight, and string tension—but a player can increase the rate slightly by pressing higher on the strip, effectively moving its pivot point closer to the lead hammer.

Numerically coded sheet music prepared specifically for the Marxophone indicates when and in what order to play melody and chord strings.

A rectangular piece of metal provides a backstop for the spring steel hammers, displays the name Marxophone and the patent number, and has clips that hold sheet music.

When the instrument is moved or stored, the metal rectangle bends down, holding the keys against the strings, so the Marxophone can fit into its case—which is the size of a large briefcase.

[citation needed] Marxophones were billed as easy to play, and sold on time-purchase plans by door-to-door salesmen, and through mail-order companies like Sears-Roebuck.

Variants on the Marxophone idea include the "Hammer-Jammer," a hammer-frame that attaches to the fingerboard—and the 2010 "Marxoguitar" created by Ranjit Bhatnagar.

The Doors and John Prine used its unique sound on studio recordings of the 1960s and '70s and it was still used more recently by notable figures such as Norway's Avant-Garde musician Sturle Dagsland and the American rock band Stone Temple Pilots.