Elka Drummer One

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 Elka Drummer One 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 another available.

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.

Condition

In excellent cosmetic condition with some minor scuffs and dings on and around the face. The case is very clean with minimal signs of wear or age. The back panel has been recovered at some point. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition.

Voltage Information

Switchable voltage for use anywhere in the world - it will be set up ready for you to use before we ship.

Tax

For sales in UK/EU, this item is on the margin scheme for second hand goods. VAT-free sales are not possible for this item.