I've been sent some more information about the mysterious Maestrovox that was recently found on Ebay. Mick Andon actually has one and confirms that they are meant to come with a combined amp and case - the one on Ebay was incomplete in this respect.
He sent me this photo, including a closeup of the name plate (click the photo for an enlargement).
This shows that the Maestrovox was made by Maestrovox Electronic Organs in Middlesex, but no date is included.
It's clear that the Maestrovox has 3 vibrato modes (just like a clavioline), an amplitude button (just like a clavioline), an octave selector (just like a clavioline), but only 7 stops - which is less than any clavioline or clone shown on clavioline.com.
Does anyone have any more information ?
I have a maestovox, or at least most of one, which I found on a tip. It was basically functional,
completely out of tune, and highly dangerous!
Just got it out of the cupboard to start to put it together, abd did a quick search in case anyone has circuit diagrams, as the vibrato isn't working, and i was hoping that someone may have done the hard work of decoding the values of the keyboard resistors, as bulk carbon drift somewhat.
The only info I had was a picture from the web of someone playing one in a dance band of 1952ish. if you know what the lid looks like and have any more pictures, they would be more than welcome.
oh and my speaker is different, it's a goodmans eliptical.
Best wishes,
Nigel
Posted by: nigel bailey | January 24, 2006 at 11:17 PM
The maestrovox was designed and bullt by my wife's late grandfather Victor Ward. Sadly, we do not have one, although we keep searching, we did see the one on ebay and pointed out that it was incomplete to the seller and buyer. We do have lots of paperwork on it including brochures, news cuttings and photo's etc. It was used and promoted by the pianist Stanley Black, can't remember the exact date but it was in the 1950's. Many were shipped to the USA and Canada. If anyone ever wants to sell a complete version, please get in touch as my wife would love to have one. She is a pro musician and keyboard player. If anyone wants more precise information I can dig the box out of the loft with all the papers etc in.
Posted by: Nigel Ward | May 20, 2006 at 11:04 AM
am lookin to buy one cheap, let u know more when i get it.seems complete but i dont feel like spending a lot on it
Posted by: tom | June 03, 2006 at 12:27 AM
Hi Tim,
I know one or two people who are looking to buy one, so if you get bored of yours then let us know !
Posted by: Squeezyboy | June 03, 2006 at 04:10 PM
I have now published a web page full of Maestrovox information, press cuttings, pictures, cicuits etc. The URL is www.debbiecurtis.co.uk/id99.html
Posted by: Nigel Ward | July 23, 2006 at 01:52 AM
we have got a fully functional maestrovox organ complete with box and lid and are wanting to sell. Anyone interested please post a comment or email us at Cory_Rosemurgey_29@hotmail.com
Thankyou
Posted by: Sherry Rosemurgey | August 07, 2007 at 02:32 PM
Dear Sherry,
I'm actually very interested. Please contact me. (p.j.peeters@gmail.com). Thanks a lot.
Posted by: Pj Peeters | September 05, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Anyone who has a Maestrovox organ for sale (for my vintage organ museum), please contact me. Thanks.
p.j.peeters@gmail.com
Posted by: Pj Peeters | October 15, 2007 at 12:01 PM
i have a fully working maestrovox for sale
call me on 07812 157411
Posted by: mark redman | October 19, 2007 at 04:50 PM
Dear Mark,
Please contact me, or let me know where you're based. (Which country?) Thanks.
Posted by: Pj Peeters | October 27, 2007 at 05:01 PM
I'm currently selling a Maestrovox Orchestrain amplifier on eBay (in Australia) in case anyone's interested - http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110202930206&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=001
Cheers,
Sam.
Posted by: S Marston | December 11, 2007 at 09:25 AM
Anyone who has a Maestrovox organ for sale, please contact me. Thanks.
p.j.peeters@gmail.com
Posted by: Pj Peeters | January 10, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I will pay a good price for a Maestrovox organ. Please contact me, by e-mail, if you have one for sale, or know of one that's for sale. Thanks.
p.j.peeters@gmail.com
Posted by: P.J. Peeters | May 17, 2008 at 02:44 PM
In the late 1970's ,there used to be a Maestrovox complete in the Victoria Pub in the Surbiton High street;it used to sit on the grand Piano.
I don't know if it is still there.
However ,I am an electronic engineer and now live in my native Aberdeen.
About 3 years ago I repaired one which was in excellent condition and complete, for a guy who collected such things .He also bought and sold and tuned pianos and traded under the name of NETHERDALE pianos.This is not far from the township of Rothienorman in Aberdeenshire.
As I said ,it was three years ago and I no longer have his number and it never was listed in the directory.
He also had at least three Hammonds and a selection of electrmechanical instruments from the 1950s,60s etc.
If any one is really interested contact me and I'll make some mor enquiries.
kmachray@yahoo.co.uk
Posted by: | July 13, 2008 at 09:33 AM
In the late 1970's ,there used to be a Maestrovox complete in the Victoria Pub in the Surbiton High street;it used to sit on the grand Piano.
I don't know if it is still there.
However ,I am an electronic engineer and now live in my native Aberdeen.
About 3 years ago I repaired one which was in excellent condition and complete, for a guy who collected such things .He also bought and sold and tuned pianos and traded under the name of NETHERDALE pianos.This is not far from the township of Rothienorman in Aberdeenshire.
As I said ,it was three years ago and I no longer have his number and it never was listed in the directory.
He also had at least three Hammonds and a selection of electrmechanical instruments from the 1950s,60s etc.
If any one is really interested contact me and I'll make some mor enquiries.
kmachray@yahoo.co.uk
Posted by: | July 13, 2008 at 09:35 AM