Zobo and Songophone

The Zobo saxophone dates from the end of the 19th century. Under the Zobo brand W.H. Frost in New York marketed a whole line of brass kazoo's from 1895 onwards. On Januar 7th, 1896 he had the patent registered. Besides the saxophone there was also a cornet, a trombone and a tuba model. A set of 4 listed for $8,25 and made musical instruments affordable. Some years later, in 1900, Louis N. Crakow patented the Songophone, an almost identical instrument. Crakow first dealt in Zobo's together with Frost. The Songophone was also traded as Sonophone.

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  Zobo saxophone, coll.Gerard Westerhof

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  Songophone saxophone, mouthpiece missing, coll. Gerard Westerhof

The history of the Zobo as told by the coverage in the Music Trade Review (and some other sources)

The Zobo. (Music Trade Review 1895, 21-15-04)

THE MOST POPULAR LITTLE INSTRUMENT NOW BEFORE THE TRADE.

The Zobo is the name of a fascinating little musical instrument which is just now taking the country by storm. It is the invention of W. H. Frost, the inventor of the Kazoo, which was tremendously popular some years ago. The Zobo is a marked improvement on the Kazoo, however, arid an idea of its popularity can be gleaned from the fact that over four hundred thousand Zobos and Zobo Cornet and Cornetos are now in use, although the invention is but a few months old. Anyone can play the Zobo, no instruction being necessary. You sing into it and get any effect desired. For home amusement, church or society entertainments, street parades, "high old times "for dancing, quartettes, solos, or for bands and orchestras, it cannot be excelled. The Zobo has become such a popular favorite that Mr. Frost has gotten out a line of Zobo brass band instruments, embracing the cornet, alto cornet, saxaphone, bass horn and piccolo. The principle of the Zobo is novel but simple, and, like all successful inventions, the wonder is that some one did not think o- it before. The voice is transformed into a reed instrument by the resonant diaphragm, and having per formed its work in producing the tone, the voice is lost through the vent provided for that purpose, while the resonance of the diaphragm is given volume and intonation by the instrument to which it is attached, and its material, construction and size determines the quality and intonation of the complete instrument. By the use of the Zobo instruments it is thus possible to reproduce all the brasses and reeds of a brass band, making it possible to organize whole bands and orchestras. Moreover, although the Zobo brass instruments are of solid brass, highly polished and lacquered, Mr. Frost has put them on the market at surprisingly low figures, the retail price of a full Brass Quartette, embracing cornet, alto cornet, saxaphone and brass horn, being only $8.25. Quartettes and glee clubs will be especially interested in these instruments, while we shall expect to see every campaign club of 1896 marching to the stirring strains of its own Zobo Brass Band. One of the interesting uses of the Zobo is the "Zobo Patriotic Drill," originated by the Sisters of Mercy in charge of St. Anne's Academy, at Fort Smith, Ark., and given with great success at their closing exercises of June 21st, 1895. The Fort Smith Times says of it: "The hit of the day then followed, the Zobo drill. The Zobo is a new instrument to Fort Smith, and its effect is novel and charming. It is worth going a long way to see. There was marching and singing the Red, White and Blue and other popular airs. Flags floated and patriotism was at fever heat and on dress parade."Mr. Frost was so impressed with this feature that he gives full instructions for its production in the directions which go with every instrument. We take pleasure in printing a sketch of this very entertaining drill, which is only one of the many novel arrangements possible. The leading jobbers in New York, Chicago, Boston and all the important music trade centers are handling the Zobo. The Zobo is one of the best things in its line before the trade to-day. It is sold at such a price that it leaves a satisfactory margin of profit to the dealer. It will undoubtedly make Mr. Frost a wealthy man, and he deserves it. Dealers should order a trial lot of their jobber, and not forget to ask for the very attractive window display which seems to multiply the sales amazingly. Mr. Frost is always glad to see any of the trade at his establishment at 35 Frankfort street, and is always pleased to receive inquiries.

MTR-1895-21-20-11 (Dec 7th 1895)

The Zobo in Concert.

THAT popular instrument, the Zobo, is becoming a huge favorite everywhere. W. H. Frost, the manufacturer, is experiencing quite a boom in trade these days, owing to the approach of the holidays. By the way, the Zobo brass band instruments will be used at the grand concert to be given in the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Suffolk street, near Grand, on next Wednesday evening, Dec. nth.

MTR-1895-21-21-03 (Dec 14th 1895)

THE Zobo is the talk of the country. This fascinating little musical instrument is selling like the proverbial "hot cakes." It is proving one of the greatest holiday novelties on the market. Over half a million Zobos, Zobo cornets and cornetos are now in use, both for home amusement, church and society entertainments, parades, bands and orchestras; in fact, they have become such a popular favorite that Mr. Frost, the inventor, has all he can do to supply the demands of the trade. The great success of the Zobo is attributable to the fact that any one can play it; no instruction being necessary. You simply sing into it and get any effect you desire. For instance, in the Zobo brass band instruments, which embrace the cornet, alto cornet, saxaphone, bass horn and piccolo, the voice is transformed into a reed or brass instrument, thus making it possible to organize whole bands and orchestras. The Zobo is sold at a popular price, and a full brass quartet can be purchased for $8.25.

One important fact should be borne in mind, namely, that the Zobo is not a novelty, just made for the holidays. It is here to stay, and it is bound to grow in popularity month after month. Dealers will find as great a demand for this instrument in the spring as at present, and during the Presidential campaign of '96 we will be surprised if the Zobo is not used by every campaign club in the country. Hence dealers will readily recognize that it is a staple instrument, not for the day, but for all time.

Dealers who have not yet ordered a trial lot of Zobos should do so at once through their jobber or directly from Mr. Frost, the inventor and manufacturer, at his establishment, 35 Frankfort street, this city. A very attractive window display, which seems to multiply the sales amazingly, is furnished with every order. The Zobos are sold at a price that leaves a satisfactory margin of profit to the dealer. We would not be surprised to see Zobo bands, uniformed and equipped as shown in the illustration herewith, in every country town and city before long. For clubs and home amusement the Zobo cannot be duplicated. It possesses a value peculiar to itself. A little "push" and the dealer has a "big thing" when he handles the Zobo. It is worth looking up at once.

Image from the Music Trade Review

MTR-1895-21-22 (Dec 21st 1895)

AT a concert and cantata given by the Emmanuel Baptist Church in this city last week, the Zobo was used. The World has the following to say in this connection: "In the last chorus of the cantata a fine effect was produced by the use of brass Zobos. With these instruments the young people produced a very good imitation of a brass band accompaniment."

MTR-1895-21-23-06

W. H. FROST, of Zobo fame, is on a two weeks' business trip to Chicago.

Catalogue of A.E. Benary

In a catalogue of A.E. Benary, New York from 1895 the zobo is mentioned already [Catalog. NY, NY: A. E. Benary; 1895], 286 p. Cloth binding. Successor to Henry Benary's Sons, Importer and Manufacturer of Musical Instruments, Strings, 62 White Street, New York 1895. Retail catalog featuring: violins (including parts and cases), contra bass, trombone, cymbals, cymbal bags, bicycle bugle, cavalry trumpets, xylophones, tubephones, door harps, metallophones, zobos, zobo cornettos, etc.

Music Trades 1984 Volume 132, Numbers 7-12

Zobo Bands Are Forming All Over the Country It is likely that 100 Zobo bands will do service during the coming presidential campaign. Mr. WH Frost, the inventor and sole proprietor of this unique musical instrument, finds that it is growing more popular every day. A considerable number of Zobo bands have been organized in New York and Brooklyn and the surrounding towns. The Zobo Bicycle Band of the Gormully and Jeffery Co. made a decided hit in the recent bicycle parade. Nearly every newspaper in New York gave the band a complimentary notice. The Evening Telegram said, "The white uniform Wheelman's band, the first on record by the way, of the Gormully & Jeffery Company received a great ovation as thev swept up past headquarters to take their place in line.”m Zobo…

1895 The American Stationer volume 38

Ashtabula, Ohio asks for the address of the makers of the Zobo. Answer: W.F. Frost 858 Dearborn Street Chicago 1896 Januar 7th the Zobo patent was registered: US 552612.

WARREN HERBERT FROST, son of Edward J. and Elizabeth, married Mattie Josephine Orcutt. His second wife was Mae Etta Orcutt. Residence, Chicago, where his only child, son by first wife, Herbert Earl, was born Nov.17, 1890, and died in 1893. (Frost genealogy in five families).

MTR-1896-22-1-11 (Jan 25th 1896), Zobo patent granted

MTR-1896-22-2-13 (Feb 1st 1896), More Light on the Zobo Patent.

More Light on the Zobo Patent.

THE RESONANT DIAPHRAGM NOT SIMILAR TO THE PHONOGRAPH.

IN a conversation with W. H. Frost of Zobo fame, 35 Frankfort street, about the patent granted him on the Zobo by the authorities at Washington, which appeared in last week's issue, that gentleman was made to say that the delay in granting same was caused chiefly by the similarity of the resonant diaphragm used in the Zobo with that of the phonograph, etc. This would lead the reader to believe that there was a similarity between the two diaphragms, whereas the fact is, the diaphragms are of a directly opposite character, producing entirely different results, and arranged in a very dissimilar manner. This is the point Mr. Frost had to make with the Patent Office, as the invention was entirely new to them, and they confused it with the phonograph, etc. But when they saw that the facts were as stated above, he had no trouble in securing full claims. This patent is a great victory for Mr. Frost, and it gives his products a "clear field." The Zobo brass band instruments are destined to win a great vogue during the coming summer and fall for campaign purposes. In fact, Zobo bands will be all the rage this year, and dealers should look way ahead and place their orders early.

Hawaiian Gazette February 18th 1898

Hawaiian Glee Club

The evening will be considerably enlivened by the presence and assistance of the club's new musical organisation of monster proportions, called 'Professor von Bergersons Zobo Band. For one thing the boys made a strong bid for American patronage. They promise some surprises during the rendition of patriotic medley 'American Airs'; There will be again given for the benefit of both the Hawaiians and foreigners "The evolution of Hawaiian music", arranged by Coelho. This took the house by storm last Saturday night and will be better still. There will be once more the Kamehmeha tableau and the pahu, ipu hula anmd uliuli. The money which it is hoped to make by this repition is very much needed by the boys. Several of them must have clothing and there were some expenses attached to the firts show which have not yet been entirely defrayed

MTR-1896-22-5-09 (Feb 22nd 1896)

W H. FROST, of Zobo fame, has removed from 35 Frankfort street to 123 Liberty street. This move, into larger quarters, was rendered necessary owing to the growth of business. The Zobo is having a phenomenal sale. The output since the first of the year indicates that Mr. Frost will round up the million mark before the year closes. This week he made a large shipment to Joseph Wallis & Son, of London, Eng., one of the largest houses devoted to the sale of musical instruments in that city.

MTR-1896-22-6-09

W. H. FROST, of Zobo fame, has issued a very handsomely gotten up edition of the popular "Honeymoon March," arranged for the Zobo quartette, by Percy Gaunt. It shows the possibilities of the Zobo in a musical way. Mr. Frost will be pleased to send dealers a sample copy, post paid, on receipt of a postal card.

MTR-1896-22-8-15 (March 14th 1896)

Looks Like a Zobo Year.

THE Zobo and Zobo band instruments are becoming quite a "fad" with college glee clubs and quartets. During the past two weeks W. H. Frost, the manufacturer, 123 Liberty street, has been in receipt of numerous inquiries from colleges, and has shipped quite a number of orders. He is also equipping Zobo bands in all sections of the country. It looks like a mighty big Zobo year, judging from the steadily growing demand for these instruments. Mr. Frost anticipates a big sale in England, as his London agents, Joseph Wallis & Son, are confident that the Zobo will become as popular in Great Britain as in the United States.

MTR-1896-22-9-10

W. H. FROST, inventor and manufacturer of the Zobo, expects to sell a million of these instruments during 1896.

MTR-1896-22-12-08 (April 11th 1896)

Zobo Brass Band on Wheels.

POINTS FOR DEALERS HANDLING ZOBOS—HOW THEY CAN MAKE MONEY THE COMING SUMMER AND FALL.

THE Zobo Brass Band instruments seem to have struck a popular vein. In fact, the different styles are getting more popular every day. This is evidenced by the degree of bustle prevalent at Zobo headquarters.In a talk recently with W. H. Frost, the manufacturer, 123 Liberty street, he said: " I have been behind in my orders for brass band instruments for over a month, and it is the dull season in most lines. "I am advised by the director of the Oberlin College Glee Club that the hit of their concert recently given was the Zobo band. They have put in sixteen of these brass instruments, which fitted out the entire glee club. Then I have also equipped quartets in the glee clubs of Yale, Harvard and Cornell. So you see they are proving very successful in that field." Wide-awake dealers handling the Zobo instruments should make it a point to encourage the formation of bicycle brass bands. If properly pushed they would become "all the rage." These instruments can be carried in one hand, easily played and slung over the back when not in use. There is absolutely no such thing as a brass band on wheels, and the novelty of the scheme proposed will commend it. Again, dealers should make it a point to be on the lookout for campaign clubs. The Zobo is destined to be indispensable during the campaign, and dealers can work up a big trade by looking up the voters as well as the bike.

MTR-1896-22-15-13 (May 2nd 1896)

W. H. FROST, inventor and manufacturer of the Zobo, 123 Liberty street, is meeting with a great demand for the Zobo from well-known stage favorites. He recently received a flattering letter from Frank Daniels, of the "Wizard of the Nile" Co., praising the Zobo generally, and ordering a quartet set. May Irwin has been captivated by the Zobo, and it is winning its way rapidly into favor among theatrical people. This instrument has also been used recently with much success in choirs and church entertainments; and, in fact, it can be used in the orchestra or in the home with signal effect. No wonder the Zobo is selling like the proverbial "hot cakes." The dealers not selling this "money-maker" must be behind the times. Once examined and tested a sale is always effected. Such a specialty should be handled and pushed by every "live" dealer.

Zobo advertisement

(May Irwin, Canadian vaudeville star, actress 1862-1938)

MTR-1896-22-18-17 (May 23rd 1896)

Zobos in Demand.

ACCORDING to Mr. W. H. Frost, proprietor and manufacturer of the Zobo, the prevailing bicycle craze is not a circumstance to the heavy demand for both Zobos and Zobo Band instruments. It is simply a case of "hustle" at the factory, the supply barely keeping pace with the demand.

The avenues of sale are both numerous and varied, and the many dealers, one and all, adopt an "Oliver Twist" attitude and humbly ask for "more." Mr. Frost states that a large bicycle manufactory has organized a very successful Zobo band, under the able conductorship of Otto Langey, and that the rehearsals now being held are highly successful. At a forthcoming bicycle parade, for which preparations are now being made on an extensive scale, the performers expect to make a great sensation.

Mr. Frost has fitted up an organization of twenty-five performers, who will shortly appear in a large spectacular production at one of the New York theatres. The members of the band are busy rehearsing a stirring march from Sousa's latest success, "El Capitan," and other selections, and expect to make a great hit on making their stage debut. A prominent Grammar School has instituted a Zobo band, which is to perform at the school parade of the cadets and other indoor receptions. The Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., of Cincinnati, in sending a large order under date of May 16, write: "Just beginning to get out circulars you sent us, and have already received quite a number of orders for Zobos and Zobo instruments."

Mr. Frost says that the Zobo will be very much in evidence at the forthcoming St. Louis Convention; several quartets have been equipped, and a number of Zobo clubs will help to make things lively. According to the genial Zobo proprietor, the forthcoming election will be won by the party using the greatest number of Zobos. C. H. Ditson, of this city, has received a large order for the brass instruments from Tacoma, Wash. A number of new style instruments are shortly to be placed on the market, which promise to become highly popular.

Zobo advertisement

A Zobo ad, found on the backside of the sheet music of President Cleveland's Second Term March in 1896

MTR 1896 22-20-10 : (June 6th 1896)

Look Out for the Bicycle Zobo Band.

AN interesting feature of the livening Telegram bicycle parade, which will take place on the Boulevard from Sixtyfifth to 108th street, this afternoon, will be a Zobo band on wheels. They will form part of the exhibit of the Gormully & Jeffery Manufacturing Co., and will be seen in the manufacturers' division of the parade. They will be suitably uniformed, and will make quite a showing. The repertoire of the band is large, and they will set the pace at the parade with Sousa's "El Capitan" march. The bicycle band will be a splendid means of showing the possibilities of the Zobo to New Yorkers, and it will undoubtedly result in a number of other bands being formed, not only on wheels, but for campaign purposes. The Zobo is certainly the biggest hit of the day. The inventor and manufacturer, W. H. Frost, is in receipt of letters and orders from dealers in all sections of the country, stating that there is a regular run on these instruments.

MTR-1896-22-21-03

Zobo Bicycle Band.

IN the extended notices of last Saturday's bicyle parade in this city, the local newspapers had many complimentary words for the Zobo Band, which appeared in the manufacturers' division. They made an imposing picture in their natty uniforms, and their playing was not bad, considering the limited time they rehearsed for the parade. In the near future we can look forward for several bicycle Zobo bands, not only in this city, but Ihroughout the country.

MTR-1896-22-24-10 (July 4th 1896)

Zobo Slide Trombone.

WE herewith present a cut of the latest addition to the illustrious Zobo "family," which seems destined to create a stir in Zobo circles. The instrument is an excellent rep)ica of the ordinary trombone, with slide tubing, bent, as regular instrument, having an extension of ten inches. To quote Mr. W. H. Frost's own words, "it is a very deceptive, but nevertheless, business-like looking instrument, producing a very fine tone, especially adapted to a baritone voice." The instrument retails at $4, costing dealers the same as a Zobo brass horn. Mr. Frost states that "Zobo business is improving, and, in view of the bicycle and approaching campaign excitement, he looks for a steady and increasing call for Zobo goods right up to Xmas." In view of this, it would be well for dealers to order well ahead of goods.

Zobo Slide Trombone

MTR-1896-23-1-15 (July 25th 1896)

Zobo News.

THE accompanying illustration of a Wheelman's Zobo Brass Band,although possessing considerable interest to Zobo dealers and the trade generally, is not an actual reproduction of any special organization, inasmuch as the average Zobo band numbers considerably more members than is shown in the illustration. It is nevertheless of unique interest. According to the Philadelphia press one of the most interesting features of the recent big bicycle parade at Philadelphia, held on July 14 last, was the Zobo Band of the Century Wheelman's Club. The procession consisted often thousand cyclists and an extract from the Philadelphia "Public Ledger" of July 15, reads as follows: "Next followed the Century Wheelmen, who introduced a novelty in the shape of a Zobo band, and really played excellent music. This caused the Centurions to receive tumultuous applause all along the line of parade." After the parade the members of the band gathered in front of the club house and gave a half-hour open air concert, which was highly appreciated by a large audience. The Century Club have undoubtedly, in a great measure, the Zobo band to thank for the ease with which they carried off their three prizes: "Novel Display," "Best General Appearance," "Largest Number of Men," thus maintaining their reputation of being the crack club of Philadelphia. A word of acknowledgment is due that well known orchestral leader of Philadelphia, Professor Harvey Uhler, who is the leader and drum-major of the band, for the success he has achieved in producing so excellent an organization. Mr. W. H. Frost reports a good general business in Zobo instruments; he has recently had a large number of enquiries from the New York and Philadelphia bicycle clubs, Mr. Frost emphasizes the point that bicycles and politics will go hand in hand very considerably this fall, and that no bicycle club or parade is properly equipped without its "Zobo band." Joseph Wallace & Son of London have, through C. Bruno & Son of New York, just ordered their fourth shipment of Zobo instruments.

Wheelmens Zobo Band

New York Times September 27th 1896

A 'Zobo band' of sixteen pieces has been organized by members of the Bushwick Wheelmen

First prize at the Greater America Exposition Nov 1st 1899:

Announcement of the prize

Cover catalog W.L Hatch, New York

6 X 9 1/4" 36 p/p's including covers. different instruments pics with prices and the packet of repair pcs. and a scan of the front and back covers. Inside the front cover is a picture of the Park Ave. Paterson NJ Church Choir Zobo Band, also a pic of school 54 NYC band. Pic of Onnalinda Zobo Band, Kansas City Shriners Band, Wheelman's Zobo Band of Philadelphia and many other bands, also listings for Zithers and mouth organs.

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The Zobo-Phone

The Zobo-phone, also by Strauss MFG. Co, based on the same Jan.7, 1896 patent, Number 552612. Words on the side are: 'Sing into the Mouthpiece' and 'Mama won't you buy me a Zobo?' Stands 7 inches tall.

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Denver Public Library collection

Zobo trio Colorado

Colorado National Guard soldiers pose with trumpets in Leadville, Lake County, Colorado, during a mining labor strike of the Western Federation of Miners. A rack of rifles are against interior canvas tent walls. [1896 or 1897?]

MTR-1896-23-6-15

Hamilton S. Gordon.

W.H. FREELAND, of Hamilton S. • Gordon's small goods department, spoke somewhat encouragingly of the general outlook for fall trade, to the REVIEW on Wednesday last. Mr. Freeland stated that the "campaign" trade was fairly prosperous, the demand for the "Gordon " mandolins and guitars satisfactory, and the accordeon and zobo trade brisk.

MTR-1896-23-12-19 (Oct 10th 1896)

Zobo News.

"Zobo business is on the boom just now," said Mr. W. H. Frost to the REVIEW on Tuesday last. "I have received more orders the last three weeks than at any time in a similar period." During the informal chat which followed Mr. Frost stated in substance: "The main difficulty 1 have, when making a deal, is to impress upon buyers that the zobo is a 'serious' instrument and not to be treated in a spirit of burlesque as many seem to think. The splendid work of the Century Wheelmen's Zobo Band of Philadelphia, and my phonograph records of some of Sousa's marches, are good object lessons in this respect.

"Campaign business is very promising," continued Mr. Frost; "if dealers would only grasp the fact that it is necessary to keep a full set of instruments in stock, so as to illustrate their possibilities and excellence of workmanship; it is so difficult to sell from catalogue, a man laughs at the idea and imagines you are offering him a tin-pan toy; but impress upon him that he can purchase an entire outfit for $2 a man—practically the price of the hire of an ordinary brass band for one evening, let him fully appreciate the tonal possibilities of the instruments, and the sale is made." Mr. Frost stated that the largest demand for zobos came from the West, but Eastern business was good.

The zobo brass instruments were used in the glee clubs of Oberlin College, Ohio, Cornell, Yale, Harvard and Muhlenberg University, Allentown, Pa. ; in many cases the colleges had a full band outfit of sixteen pieces. Reverting again to campaign business Mr. Frost stated that the clubs possessing zobo brass instruments invariably "take the cake." In most cases the performers had good voices, so that good chorus work could be effected, with the result that fun and good-fellowship invariably prevailed and "on an economical basis," emphasized the narrator. We herewith present a half-tone cut illustrating a fifteen piece zobo brass band organization; the instruments are reproduced exactly as assorted, and the picture is a life-like representation of one of these organizations on parade.

File:New York Clipper ad 1901 1902.jpg File:Zobo cat.jpg File:Zobo patriottic drill.jpg