Strohviols

*The phono collection ......*
*of Stroviols and other horned stringed instruments*

This page is part of a collection of instruments for reference and interest, not for sale. For items to purchase see the links at the bottom of the page. Thank you	*On-line museum. Other collections. Click on link to view*
	Unusual Violins	violin 2, cello.	Cittern, hurdy-gurdy
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	Mandolin	Zither, harp	Ukulele

Phono or horned string instruments developed at the turn of the 20th century in the first instance to assist in sound recordings on to wax cylinders as a sharper sound was needed. As recording techniques improved phono instrument enjoyed some popularity as novelty instruments. Many thousands of one string phono fiddles were produced of varying quality. Augustus Stroh was the pioneer in the market and produced the more superior instruments with their patented diaphram arrangement. Violins, violas, cellos, basses, ukuleles and guitars were made. The 4 string violins are scarce but other versions are extremely rare today. As wax cylinder players lost popularity to the development of the disc recordings by the 1920s Stroh's production gradually slowed. There has been some revival of interest in recent years.
Willy Tiebel, Markneukirchen, German made similar instruments to Augustus Stroh in the 1920s, with a maple scroll and body of mahogany (vaguely rectangular in cross section where Stroh's instruments were usually round). New 4 string Stroviol copies can be found but the sound is not generally as good.

Stroviols violin circa 1910. Twin horned. The smaller to be angled for the player to head as the sound is otherwise very directional. These are often favoured by jazz musicians.		One of only three Stroh guitars known to exist. This instrument is for sale. ref: Brian Cohen		Stroh bass. Another extremely rare Stroh. Ref: Tony Bingham This and a Stroh cello for sale.
	Violinophone. Prague early 20th century. This instrument has a diaphragm mounted vertically under the bridge. The sound is carried through a tube to the horn which rests around the shoulder to face forward.		Stroviols mandolin. Few of these exist.
				Phono ukulele by A T Howson. London

There are many one string phono fiddles still in evidence, these were often used as novelty items and often in musical hall and other stage acts. These usually work on a flat circular cellophane diaphram, a crude metal bridge glued directly to the surface. They were held and played in the cello position and tuned variously to suit the player. Strohviols and Howson were the most prominant makers.


Howson large brass bell C1910	.Howson unusual 2 string with brass horn.	Howson phono fiddle advert.	Stroviols brass horn C1910

Twin horn !	Wooden horn C1910. No makers name	Stroh brass horned	Strohviols aluminium horn C1920. There are 6 variations of this model.

For phono fiddles for sale click here

A Stroh orchestra recording, circa 1910. ref :- Experimental instruments

Mina Forsyth, c.1923ish with a one string phono fiddle Photo courtesy Alan Davidson

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