Elka Drummer One

Elka Drummer One for sale in excellent condition and perfect working order. Dating from c1969, this uncommon beatbox is an Italian-made machine used by many seminal Krautrock bands in the late sixties and early seventies – Harmonia, Cluster, Roedelius, Kraftwerk etc – it was badged as Echolette in Germany.

Rarity and pedigree are one thing, but what really floored us is the sound and how playable the unit is. The drums are gloriously woody and cymbals/hats pleasingly analogue; very classy and distinct from those found in more common beatboxes. Add in some tape delay and a touch of spring reverb and you could be in a battered VW camper driving along a monochrome autobahn from Düsseldorf to Forst. As soon as we heard our first Drummer One, we knew it was staying in the studio – see demos below. Happily, we now have a second which is now available for sale.

Programmable drum machines were a long way off in 1969, but the Elka features rotary volume pots that allow swift creation of varied rhythms on the fly simply by dialling in/out the individual drum sounds. Naturally, you can engage more than one rhythm at once by pressing the selector buttons down together, creating more complex polyrhythms.

This unit is exceptionally clean with only the smallest dings and scratches showing on the face and metal frame. It has been serviced and is ready for action. See detailed photos for more info on cosmetic condition.

220v unit.

Dark & Stormy… Claustrophobic, late night rhythmic experiments. Had to go back to the office to see what would emerge from the mismatched pile of boxes. Varispeed Binson still needs some work but there is moody magic in the imperfections. #techno

296 Likes, 9 Comments – Soundgas Limited (@soundgasltd) on Instagram: “Dark & Stormy… Claustrophobic, late night rhythmic experiments. Had to go back to the office to…”

More polyrhythmic investigations with the varispeed modded Binson (that’s the knob on the right – the other one being tweaked is the feedback on the left). Shades of vintage Plastikman? All gear that is available now or soon. @cloudshillmusic Laut valve booster continues to impress as it adds muscle to the sounds from the Elka. A touch of spring comes from the simple but effective Hawk HR-12 that is on soundgas.com now. #techno

189 Likes, 8 Comments – Soundgas Limited (@soundgasltd) on Instagram: “More polyrhythmic investigations with the varispeed modded Binson (that’s the knob on the right -…”

Head over heels. Sixties techno vibe from the Elka Drummer One. I knew I’d like this machine, but wasn’t prepared for the fall: totally lovestruck. Has such vibe, sounds great and is a doddle to use – my kinda gear for sure. Able support from the varispeed modded Binson EC-3, Wersi Bass Synth and @cloudshillmusic #laut pedal which are both for sale on www.soundgas.com now.

312 Likes, 11 Comments – Soundgas Limited (@soundgasltd) on Instagram: “Head over heels. Sixties techno vibe from the Elka Drummer One. I knew I’d like this machine, but…”

Fab analogue rig… Elka Drummer One into varispeed modded Binson EC-3. Forgive the cack-handed and wonky Wersi Bass playing – dialling in more bite with the @cloudshillmusic #laut valve booster pedal – this is fast becoming one of our go-to pieces of gear in the studio – use it on everything to add more . Nearly all this gear is for sale now on www.soundgas.com – email [email protected] if you don’t see what you’re searching for – we’ll be auctioning the Elka next week – watch out for Friday’s mailout.

236 Likes, 6 Comments – Soundgas Limited (@soundgasltd) on Instagram: “Fab analogue rig… Elka Drummer One into varispeed modded Binson EC-3. Forgive the cack-handed and…”