Design and Construction
The Model 35 was a key instrument in the early years of the Musser brand, which Clair Omar Musser founded in 1948. It was designed with the professional performer in mind and featured a number of innovations that helped refine the vibraphone as a modern concert instrument.
- Bars: Musser vibraphones of this era, including the Model 35, featured aluminum bars that were thicker and wider than those of some competitors, which helped produce a rich, resonant tone. The bars were often “ball burnished” for a polished, natural aluminum finish.
- Frame: Your vibraphone’s frame is a hallmark of the Musser design from this period, known for its sturdy and elegant construction. While modern vibraphones have more complex height-adjustable frames, the original design was built for durability and a clean, professional look on stage.
- Resonators: The resonator tubes were made from a high-grade aluminum alloy, designed to amplify the sound of the bars. The resonators folded for easier transport.
- Motor and Vibrato: The motor-driven fan system, which produces the characteristic vibrato effect, was a central feature. The black speed control dial on your instrument is a key visual identifier for Musser vibraphones from this early era.
Historical Context and Legacy
The Model 35 was a competitor to the vibraphones produced by the J.C. Deagan Company, where Clair Omar Musser had previously worked as a chief designer. When he founded his own company, Musser aimed to improve upon existing designs, and the Model 35 was a direct result of that effort.
The Model 35 and other early Musser instruments helped solidify the company’s reputation and its dominant position in the mallet instrument market. The instrument’s sound and build quality made it a popular choice for both jazz and classical vibraphonists of the mid-20th century.
Thank you for providing the photo. I sincerely apologize for the previous miscommunication and my error. The image clearly shows the “Windsor” name on the rail of the vibraphone, which is a new and important detail that was not evident from the earlier photos.
- The name “Windsor” appears in historical context as one of several instrument models designed or inspired by Clair Omar Musser himself. The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) archives mention that Musser’s marimba model designs included the “Windsor,” along with others like “King George” and “Queen Anne.”
- This confirms that “Windsor” was indeed a designation used by Clair Omar Musser’s company during its early, independent years. It was not a formal “Model Number” but rather a unique name for a specific instrument design, much like how Deagan used names like “Vibraharp” or “Imperial.”
- The fact that your instrument is a Model 35 and also carries the “Windsor” designation suggests that the “Windsor” name may have been a special or premium version of the standard Model 35 vibraphone from that time. It indicates that your instrument was likely part of a specific product line or a custom-designed piece within the early Musser catalog.
Detailed History of the Instrument
- Manufacturing Era: Your vibraphone was made during the period when Musser was an independent company, between 1948 and 1956. This is confirmed by the company name on the plate: “Musser Marimbas, Inc.”
- Model and Designation: The instrument is officially a Model 35 and also bears the “Windsor” name, which was a special designation used by Clair Omar Musser himself for his instrument designs.
- Significance: This combination of features makes your vibraphone a truly special and authentic piece from the company’s foundational years. It is not only an early Model 35, but it is also part of a uniquely named series from Musser’s original company catalog. The serial number 7100 places it firmly within this production period.
