The Rock Revolution Pt. II — The Instruments
Now, if you remember the last post, we talked about how Rock-n-Roll actually got its start — I mean, from the very granules that created it. In this segment, we’re gonna talk about the instruments themselves.
Actually, before the 20th Century, all instruments were acoustic(no electronic amplification had been invented yet). In 1892, the pop scene became big business when publishers began setting up shop in the Union Square area of NYC — an area they renamed Tin Pan Alley.
Then, in 1907, a dude from Ohio named Thaddeus Cahill invented something called the teleharmonium. Now, this was the first true electronic instrument. Soon, it caught on, and other engineers and musicians began trying to figure out how to adapt this “electronica” to other instruments. Some folks began to see this thing as the wave of the future.
Two famed writers of the time, Ferruccio Busoni and Luigi Russolo, wrote that dissonant, electric sounds and noise from “electric music machines” would produce the music of the Century. Already, drumkits with small “crash” cymbals, snares and huge bass drums were in use. To counter their loudness (as well as that from brass sections), bands needed their acoustic or “box” guitars to be amplified.
Enter a fellow whose name is synonymous with quality and sound: Adolph Rickenbacker. In 1934, he invented what would become the most legendary of electric guitars (the ad you see was from ‘65 with John Lennon, who played it almost exclusively during the Beatles’ early years). As his “electronic guitar” became more popular, the drumkits became a bit smaller over the years to balance out the sound (and to become more portable), and bass guitars began amplification in the early 1950s.
As the electric guitar and organ became more popular, the brass sections of many groups became defunct. For many reasons (including the fuller sound of the new guitar, quicker rehearsals, affordability and lighter travel), groups began to whittle down to the basic four-to-five-man lineup. To compensate further, more harmonies were introduced.
These were exhibited by greats like Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers and, of course, Elvis. Their part of the story, including their influence, is coming up in the next few segments — so stay tuned!
Until then, Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music — and I’ll see ya on the flip side.
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