Shyvers Multiphone Value Guide

The Shyvers Multiphone is a landmark of Art Deco design that pioneered a mid-century form of 'streaming' music in American diners. These cast aluminum units allowed patrons to select songs from a rotating cylindrical scroll, connecting them directly to a central jukebox system for a nickel.

What Is Shyvers Multiphone Worth?

The typical price range for Shyvers Multiphone is $1,000 - $1,200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the paper song scroll, as original scrolls in legible condition significantly increase desirability.
• The presence of the original coin mechanism and its ability to accept nickels without jamming.
• Overall aesthetic state of the cast aluminum, specifically looking for a lack of heavy pitting or amateur repainting.
• Completeness of the internal wiring and the clarity of the plastic viewing window.

How to Identify Shyvers Multiphone?

• Verify the presence of the iconic cylindrical paper song scroll inside the clear plastic housing.
• Check for the original cast aluminum base and body, which should feature distinct Art Deco streamlining.
• Look for the 'Shyvers' branding and patent information typically found on the metal casing or coin entry.
• Confirm the internal mechanical components are intact, as these units functioned as remote selectors rather than standalone players.

History of Shyvers Multiphone

The Shyvers Multiphone revolutionized music access in the late 1930s, offering an early form of 'streaming' music directly to individual tables in diners and other establishments. For a nickel, patrons could select a song from a cylindrical scroll, which would then be played through a central jukebox. This innovative system brought personalized music to the masses long before the digital age, creating a unique social experience around music selection.