DeeDee Tibbits Demonstrates An Antique Marxophone

Musicologist DeeDee Tibbits introduces you to the Marxophone, invented in the late 1800 or early 1900's.

[@JoeCarpenter]

Just FYI, the two people who really created the Marxochime company (Colony) were actually father (Henry Marx) and his son (Charles Marx)....they were not brothers. How do I know this? Henry was my great-grandfather, and Charles was my grandfather.

[@deedeetibbits]

Hey Joe…. Thanks for the info! Please tell me MORE history! I want to be factual. The older lady who gave me what little I know must have been mistaken.

[@pameladowe2492]

You sound very proud of your family tree, and so you should, they created something very unique and beautiful!

[@ProgRockKeys]

Wow! My wife gave me one of these as a Christmas gift once, I could never figure out how it was supposed to sound. We still have it, I guess it’s complete.

[@pshimmons]

man… the internet is amazing.

[@catherinehazur7336]

The marxophone sounds somewhat similar to a harpsichord. Same principle, I guess? Your channel is very educational and entertaining.

[@pameladowe2492]

Thank you DeeDee for introducing us to these gorgeous instruments, most of which I have never heard of, let alone heard played so skilfully!

[@hdragongirl7628]

I just discovered your videos. If you were set up at a shopping mall during Christmas you would definitely draw a crowd with your unique instruments.

[@numberonedad]

clearly her dream

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Very interesting.this should be included in the study and research in organology.such a lovely sound❤️🎵🎶

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

How wonderful to not only own such amazing instruments with so much history! My grandmother collected various instruments and played many of them, but, sadly, I inherited neither her talents nor the instruments! My sister's grandson is the proud possessor of all of that! It would seem that you also got a heaping helping of talent! You really know how to make that instrument stand up and sing! If I could make music like that, I would be a happy lady! I really enjoy seeing your lovely home, as well. It really shows your personality and love for beautiful surroundings, as well as music!

[@BlackRiverBay]

What a wondrous instrument! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@pamelaparker508]

I really like the sound when you played it “ your way”. I’ll watch it again: I can’t figure out what causes the hammers to strike the strings repeatedly ( quickly).

[@relishgargler]

The hammer heads are mounted on a springy material, kind of like holding a metal ruler halfway off the edge of a table and slapping it with your other hand

[@Whirlwind53]

I have lap harps in my classroom for the kids. Similarly a card is inserted under the strings. The students of all ages love this instrument.

[@robinbaylor2672]

I have a zither that looks like that thing without the hammers (with single strings and a very clever arrangement of chord strings that gives you more than 4 chords)

[@mantistoboggan2676]

Sounds cooler with both hands on the hammers

[@louisielle5852]

Gorgeous sound on that instrument when you played it the second time. Just fascinating!

[@MarkMcCluney]

That's a fascinating instrument, a sort of Autodulcimer. And so well demonstrated. Thank you so much.

[@CrisHoxie]

This was great! It was nice to hear you again, DeeDee. Have a blessed Christmas!

[@Creative_B]

I have an instrument like this without the hammer things. I bought it secondhand and was told it was an auto harp. When I took it to a music store in town, they told me it was a zither harp. Not an auto harp because it was missing the board with the hammer things. I am currently trying to learn it myself

[@hollyharps]

Without the hammers, it is a chord zither or a harp zither.

[@Creative_B]

@@hollyharps I believe it is a harp zither. That’s what the music store people tell me.

[@hollyharps]

@@Creative_B There are different names for the same instrument. Chord zither is now the commonly accepted name in the zither community. It is a wonderful instrument.

[@Creative_B]

@@hollyharps I didn’t know that. Thank you! ☺️

[@donnaharvey9460]

You amaze me everytime I watch you with a new (older) instrument!! You are so talented to be able to play all these pieces!! 💜🙏

[@LairdKenneth]

How delightful. If you should demonstrate this one again, a close up of just how your hands are playing it. My wife and I watched closely to see how it worked and thought a closer look would be nice. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us. It really was a joy to listen to.

[@ursulakamay2118]

Thanks for making those wonderfull videos. You are really touching me deeply ' I love to get knowledge about old instruments. May God bless you. I'm looking forward to see your videos. Have a merry and peacefull christmastime 🎇👏❤

[@marilyncarrier]

The instrument sounds like it could be played for Russian or Hungarian folk music. 🤔

[@Zack-xz1ph]

wasn't expecting the tremolo sound effect, quite nice actually

[@deyliramirez382]

You've shown how a "One-Man Band" is actually feasibly

[@rheiagreenland4714]

Seize the means of production of music! Seriously, seize it and play it because this is great! :)

[@chiron14pl]

As an autoharp player, I've heard of the Marxaphone, but never saw one until now. Thx

[@crystalclearwindowcleaning3458]

That has an amazing sound. And it's pretty easy to play. Thanks!

[@Lytingale]

Love the tremelo effect produced by the bouncing hammers! Sounds like a balalaika player's fast strum.

[@deedeetibbits]

I actually have a balalaika! You’ve inspired me to get it down from the wall! Thanks

[@WalterAlbert-k8l]

Just as good the second time..🇺🇲🙈🙉🙊🇺🇲

[@notmyworld44]

Pretty lady plays weird instrument beautifully!

[@showeredbygrace6940]

Delightful !!! I enjoy the history you provide with these unusual instruments. Thank you! I visited your website and want to purchase a CD. Do you accept payment other than PayPal?

[@deedeetibbits]

You could send me a check….go to my website and email me from there… I don’t want to put my address here👍

[@Gartenlust]

Very interesting! 😍 I have a "chord zither" (German: Akkordzither) which has five chords on the left, the strings on the right are tuned chromatically. There are several "song sheets" for it. But I prefer to play other instruments. 😁

[@deedeetibbits]

Me too….I’ve found that the chromatic ones are MUCH harder to play!

[@annanimity8310]

Oh my gosh I remember you from fourth grade music class!

[@jamesducey2685]

You are an American treasure. I am sending along a virtual hug because you are so special. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@deedeetibbits]

Wow, thank…and you’re welcome!

[@brucealanwilson4121]

To a hammered dulcimer what an autoharp is to a zither.

[@Iceland874]

Perhaps they were distant cousins. The famous Marx brothers were musical and taught by their mother. All these string instruments are so intriguing. I am a former music teacher, church musician, woodwind player, pianist, and professionally trained organist but lately have acquired a lyre, mandolin, and ukulele along with drums, and a multitude of bamboo flutes. In high school I built a church dulcimer and balalaika. Out of a family of 8 my dad and I are the only non-string players. Thanks for your video!

[@deedeetibbits]

Sounds like you have a similar interest to not only see the instruments, but to play them!

[@jrpipik]

Interesting. I wonder if the chord strings would work better with some kind of palm muting technique so they don't ring out with such dissonance as the next chord is played.

[@deedeetibbits]

Yes… I have used my other hand to mute the strings sometimes.

[@hennakettunen8755]

A close up shot of that sheet would have been nice.

[@deedeetibbits]

Thanks! We're always looking to improve.

[@HappySunshineDay]

12/16/23 Wheeeeeee!! Thank you DeeDee! KZbin suggested your videos to me (beginning with a hammered dulcimer vid.) Your talent and passions are a gift to us all! Merry Christmas!

[@edcew8236]

Your arrangement is reminiscent of a carillon

[@ciccibenicci]

Beautiful music from such a beautiful instrument ☺️ thank you for your videos!

[@ruthiebabe3638]

I had never even heard of a Marxophone before! 😊

[@1JDS4U]

Oh my gosh...LOVE this!! ❤❤

[@melinalack6224]

You are amazing!!! I am in awe of your talent and knowledge!!!

[@deedeetibbits]

Wow, thank you!

[@rozanidesignsmasquerade7050]

Very cool and interesting. Merry Christmas❣️ 🎄😍🎄

[@novallasuter5265]

Amazing!

[@annrae1597]

I have my Dad's zither which is just cords and notes...nothing fancy..I learned one song on it..I don't think my Dad ever played it.He got it either in Scotland where he was born or Canada where he lived as an adult.

[@st.charlesstreet9876]

Beautiful History and Music ❤ Thank You!

[@patriciaemeigh4370]

You have so much talent. I love the sound this instrument makes. Merry Christmas!

[@williampalenik7306]

A cool sounding instrument. I don't think I ever heard of it a harpsichord I have.

[@jamesgage7155]

Yeah, because we just can't get enough Marx in our world...

[@gregwunderle7326]

Love your videos. Very interesting instruments from a time gone by. Thank you for sharing.

[@binary132]

What an interesting channel and scholarly subject you have!

[@vlapine]

Thank you for sharing. You are a gift from God. Merry Christmas

[@silvertongues2]

Great video thanks! I’ve been looking for one of these forever! (I’m in the U.K.)

[@ГалинаМартынова-ч1е]

ВЫ ОТКРЫВАЕТЕ НАМ НОВЫЕ МУЗЫКАЛЬНЫЕ ИНСТРУМЕНТЫ И СВОБОДНО ВЛАДЕЕТЕ ИМИ, ЭТО УДИВИТЕЛЬНО И КРАСИВО !!! ЗВУКИ СХОЖИ С ИГРОЙ НА СТЕКЛЯННЫХ ФУЖЕРАХ, СЛОЖНО ОЧЕНЬ, НО У ВАС ПОЛУЧАЕТСЯ!!! СПАСИБО ВАМ, ДОРОГАЯ !!! СПАСИБО ВАМ!!!

[@MATT-xv4bh]

So sweet to listen to. Thanks for sharing sounds from ages past

[@mh605]

Does it have keys?

[@deedeetibbits]

No…. just the hammers.

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

Thanks for sharing that. That was lovely, DeeDee!

[@holleighlordel1575]

That was cool! I like your way better 😉

[@roadking99jokerst60]

Fun to hear. Thank you for sharing.

[@brianfuerst9491]

Well done! Thanks!

[@ctrotter5447]

So unique! Thank you for showing this to us.

[@larryparker2297]

Wowwww, Deedee I really enjoyed your playing of this instrument!! You have introduced the Marxophone, to me, for the first time! I play a few string instruments myself. I really enjoyed hearing and seeing about this instrument. Thank you! Hope you will have a blessed day! ❤

[@warwinlee1021]

Love this

[@maggielandow2686]

Love this.

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

I want one

[@ediavelez3653]

Awesome

[@fletcherb.augustine9354]

❤

[@omatina6234]

🤗

[@judym4938]

Thank you so much for sharing all those beautiful sounds.

[@Sujowi]

What a genius instrument! Thank you for showing this.

[@Mars-zgblbl]

Corset stays are likely baleen

[@deedeetibbits]

I’ve never heard that word?

[@Mars-zgblbl]

@@deedeetibbits Baleen is the “teeth” from a baleen whale. The whales use them to filter krill and plankton from water. Baleen is flexible, a little like wood, and used to be used in corsets

[@WalterAlbert-k8l]

What are the odds I clicked. And you played these pieces 20 min.after a formal vote to begin impeachment inquiry..GLORY TO GOD...WERE WINNING...SHABOT SHALOM ❤❤🇺🇲🙊🙉🙈🇺🇲

[@Janescheekychickens]

Wow! That sound is absolutely delightful💝👌💝