Deagan Drummers' Special Xylophone
on loan from Randall Eyles The J.C. Deagan company
manufactured many different types of xylophones designed
for a wide variety of uses. The Drummers' Special was
intended for use as an accessory to a drummer's "trap
set" during the hey-day of society orchestras. The instrument
fit into one carrying case for ease of portability and
was mounted on a short stand so that it could be played
while sitting. This model, No. 844, has a 3-octave range
from C5 to C8, and was manufactured between the years
1915-29. The bars, made of select Honduran rosewood (trade
name Nagaed, which is Deagan spelled backward) are 1 1/4
inches wide by 7/8 inches thick. The instrument is 25
inches high and 38 1/2 inches long. The total weight is
27 pounds. One could purchase optional extensions for
the legs in order to play the instrument while standing.
|  End view, showing the bars sitting
directly on the frame, cushioned only with a strip of
felt. Note the chromium endplate with the Deagan name
and company location. |  Original advertisement from
Deagan Catalog "R" 1920. | | | |