Marxolin Value Guide

The Marxolin is a distinctive hybrid instrument developed by the Marxochime Colony of New Troy, Michigan, between 1920 and 1935. Designed for door-to-door sales to rural families, it represents a unique era of American folk music where melody strings were bowed while accompaniment chords were strummed simultaneously.

What affects the value of Marxolin?

• Overall structural integrity of the wooden body, specifically checking for cracks or warping common in instruments from the 1920s.
• The presence of original accessories such as the specialized bow and the tuning key which are often lost over time.
• Condition of the steel strings and brass pins, as heavy corrosion or missing hardware significantly reduces the $45-$50 market value.
• Completeness of the original instructional decals or labels that guided self-taught players on the installment plan.

How to Identify Marxolin?

• Look for the Marxochime Colony manufacturer label typically located inside the sound hole or on the back of the wooden body.
• Identify the dual-play design featuring a set of melody strings on the right side and chord groupings on the left.
• Check for the original construction materials including the specific dark-stained wood body and brass hardware components.
• Verify the fretless zither layout which lacks traditional fingerboard frets found on standard stringed instruments.

History of Marxolin

Developed by the Marxochime Colony of New Troy, Michigan, in the early 20th century, the Marxolin was part of a series of 'easy-to-play' instruments marketed by door-to-door salesmen. It was designed to be played by bowing the melody strings on the right while strumming accompaniment chords on the left. These instruments were often sold on installment plans to rural families who desired musical culture in their homes without the need for formal lessons.