Wurlitzer SideMan - 1950s Tube Drum Machine

The Wurlitzer SideMan was arguably the world's first drum machine. It depends on whether you count the Chamberlin Rhythmate, which was introduced some years earlier, but featured tape loops instead of electronically generated drum sounds. (Please see my other videos for a demo of the Rhythmate.) In any event, the SideMan is definitely the first "beat box." I just picked this one up for $50. It's got all its guts exposed so you can see how it works.

And yes, you're damn right that's a Mark Hamill poster in the background, be-atch!!

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  Music

[C-drík Kirdec]

Hello,

This isn't the first drum machine ever invented ; the first one was invented by Theremin in the end of 1931 : asmir.info/rhythmicon1.htm

[peahix]

hi, the rhythmicon wasn't a drum machine.

[C-drík Kirdec]

It depends how you see what drums are or not. It was maybe more a rhythm machine than something really drumming, indeed.

[peahix]

to me, a "drum machine" is an electronic device meant to replace a drummer. you can hear a demo of the rhythmicon on youtube and decide for yourself whether it's designed for that.

[raymondleeleggs]

Thats a massive sounding analogue bass drum, that's what I am talking about.

[koldkuts2]

its sounds like a choo choo remix

[supersolid]

someone call 911; the tom fills at 2:35 are melting my face

[baphomick]

Too fuckin cool.

[DJ Kid]

rip the audio from the video



[Caleb Orion]

Any chance of getting a sample library from this?

[throwitinthebinUnt]

A Mazinn

[Gregory York Garrett]

if you watch close, you'll notice a disk / thing that is turning, with what looks like lots of evenly spaced electrical receptors, as the wheel turns, it receives messages as to which sounds to play, based on the selector knobs setting, like a music box wheel, on a Adjustable speed platter. with electrical triggers. pretty cool invention. I bet most of them, met a horrid fate.

[squidfanny]

Wow..........Just...WOW

[C-drík Kirdec]

Indeed the Youtube video sounds more like a tool for making rhythmical sounds not related to a drummer. ;)