Thomas model 55 --Dr. Rhythm has nothing on this...

[paulj0557]

This is a neat little portable rhythm box consisting of a Thomas Band box + the sequencer part- the Playmate( some organs had only Bandboxes- flip switch one way get accent on the Lower, the other way gets accent on the pedals, and put it on DUO and it gives you accents on both). With the Playmate added you can select which percussion instruments will accent on the actual beat. You can also play the button below each rocker switch to get whichever sound is labeled in front of it.

Having played the BB+PM a few months ago on an organ I dismantled afterward so I could use the two units in my Palace III, this rhythm unit is amazing! If you ever get a Thomas with it you will quickly fall in love with it.


BAND MASTER MODEL 55 1.jpgBAND MASTER MODEL 55 2.jpgBAND MASTER MODEL 55 3.jpgBAND MASTER MODEL 55 4.jpg

Here is a manual of the Band Box. http://s1217.photobucket.com/albums/...%20Box%20book/

I will scan ( finally got a scanner!) the schematic of the Band Box in the next day or so. The drum,hi-hat, congo etc. are all 1-transistor sounds, but the drum roll and castanets are 2.

[andyg]

Now that's a seriously large lump of kit! At the time I think most people were probably looking for an add-on that sat under the lower manual - Lowrey AR4, a similar Conn unit, Hammond Rhythm II, Roland TR33 etc - or one that replaced the music desk - Roland TR77.

But this is a stand alone piece of furniture - I wonder how popular it was at the time?