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Jennings Univox Selmer Clavioline
The Jennings Univox (pictured above) and Selmer (and others) Clavioline were early electronic keyboards from the pre-solid state era. Both used valves (tubes) for their operation. They came in portable suitcase style outlines, one half of the case containing the speaker and power amplifier, the other half the lid, from which could be prised the keyboard/tone generator. With their distinct, violin-style sound, they are now known particularly for their role in such tracks as Del Shannon (Runaway) and Tornadoes (Telstar). Being valve-driven, they are a little temperamental..especially the vastly more complicated univox, and certainly if they're gigged..both were primarily designed to be screwed under a piano keyboard for danceband use though the case is quite portable. We repair both, good results are obtained though some come to us in an unbelieveably tatty condition. Keyboards are "compact" style and have wooden mechanisms which can warp if they get damp. Valves are still obtainable and are often to blame if your unit drifts out of tune at one end.
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