Benioff’s Musical Instruments

Seismologist invents electrical violins. Two violins which reproduce the music by electrical means have been invented by Professor Hugo Benioff, associate professor of seismology at the California Institute of Technology. Instead of wood resonance chambers, a small crystal container is inserted beneath the strings. Vibrations caused by the bow make the crystal generate an electric […]

Seismologist invents electrical violins. Two violins which reproduce the music by electrical means have been invented by Professor Hugo Benioff, associate professor of seismology at the California Institute of Technology. Instead of wood resonance chambers, a small crystal container is inserted beneath the strings. Vibrations caused by the bow make the crystal generate an electric current which passes to a special amplifier. The music emerges from a special loudspeaker. Professor Benioff took eight years to develop the instruments, but his work has been rewarded for musicians say they produce a greater volume and a deeper clearer note than ordinary violins. Professor Hugo Benioff with his two violins. Believed to be 1938 or earlier

Previously unpublished information and photograph from Planet News Ltd. archives ©2019, Topfoto (ref:EU053010) London.


The following is a presentation and review of knownpublished articles, pictures and audio recordings relating to Dr. HugoBenioff’s musical work. The content is divided in two parts, augmented byinformation gleaned from correspondence with Benioff’s closest relatives and testimoniesfrom musicians who have played Benioff’s instruments.

  • Part One: “Electro Violins” – a review and commentary on the evidence known and found.
  • Part Two: “In The Spirit Of Dr. Victor Hugo Benioff” – transcriptions of the evidence from digitised documents, for further research.

Thank you Dr. Paul Benioff & Dr. Jane Hoverd for your invaluable help and encouragement to pursue this research.

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