| Other names | Guitareti |
|---|---|
| Classification | |
| Related instruments | |
| Electric thumb piano, Cembalet, Pianet | |
| Builders | |
| Hohner | |
The Guitaret is an electric lamellophone made by Hohner and invented by Ernst Zacharias, in 1963.[1] Zacharias also invented similar instruments like the Pianet, Cembalet and the Clavinet.[2][3]
The instrument itself was not popular, and was dropped from the product line in 1965, presumably because it failed to excite the market. It was one of a number of experiments that Zacharias made converting non-standard musical instruments to modern ones.[4] Guitarets that have survived have problems with the reed dampening system, which means that the instrument has come to be played with two hands.
Despite its obsolescence, its distinct tone has made it popular in both retro- and colourist settings, and it has experienced somewhat of a revival. It has been featured in soundtracks recently for this very reason.[5]
The Guitaret's sound is that of a thumb piano. It is plugged into an amplifier, and sounds like an electric thumb piano.[2]
The Guitaret is an approximately 30 centimeters long rectangular case of white painted metal, whose three rows of metal tongues, which ends protrude slightly above the cabinet. It contains a handle too, which also includes a button to operate the damper. The player takes the guitaret with the left hand to handle this common ground and brings the thumb of the right of the tongues flicker. By pressing the button to sprung damper felt pads to the soles Fri, by releasing the button, all tongues muted.
The vibration of tongues is recorded by a spool around which is wrapped all tongues together and act as electro-magnetic sensor. The coil is directly connected to the output to the amplifier, it has no instrument for amplification.
The tongues are arranged in a manner so that the uptake of three or four sounds easier. At the top of the cabinet, these agreements for the convenience of the player are depicted.