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Description

The Wurlitzer Sideman is a quintessential piece of DJ gear for those who appreciate the charm of vintage rhythm machines. Known as one of the first commercially available drum machines, the Sideman was originally introduced in the late 1950s and has since become a beloved artifact among musicians and collectors alike. With its unique electromechanical design, the Sideman produces an authentic vintage sound that modern digital devices simply can't replicate. It offers a variety of preset rhythm patterns that range from waltz to cha-cha, each with its own distinctive sound character.

The Sideman utilizes an analog sound generation method, producing warm and organic beats that have captivated audiences for decades. This retro marvel is perfect for live performances, studio sessions, or simply as a conversation piece in a music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a DJ looking to add a unique flair to your sets or a musician seeking that authentic vintage touch, the Wurlitzer Sideman delivers in spades.

Key Features:

  • Classic electromechanical design for authentic vintage sound
  • Built-in analog drum sounds with a variety of preset rhythm patterns
  • Unique, warm tones unattainable by digital drum machines
  • Ideal for live performances, studio use, and collectors
  • Offers a nostalgic musical experience with a touch of history
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

The First Ever Drum Machine You Could Buy - 1959 Wurlitzer Sideman

Video thumbnail for The First Ever Drum Machine You Could Buy - 1959 Wurlitzer Sideman by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

The First Ever Drum Machine You Could Buy - 1959 Wurlitzer Sideman

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Video thumbnail for Wurlitzer SideMan - 1950s Tube Drum Machine by peahix

Wurlitzer SideMan - 1950s Tube Drum Machine

peahix

peahix

Video thumbnail for Vintage Drum Machine From 1959 In 4K by Circles Drum Samples

Vintage Drum Machine From 1959 In 4K

Circles Drum Samples

Circles Drum Samples

Video thumbnail for Playing The Wurlitzer Sideman. by Circles Drum Samples

Playing The Wurlitzer Sideman.

Circles Drum Samples

Circles Drum Samples

Video thumbnail for THE FIRST COMMERCIALLY RELEASED DRUM MACHINE - Wurlitzer Sideman by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

THE FIRST COMMERCIALLY RELEASED DRUM MACHINE - Wurlitzer Sideman

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

Video thumbnail for Wurlitzer Sideman Demo 1 by superfroe

Wurlitzer Sideman Demo 1

superfroe

superfroe

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Inside The 1959 Wurlitzer Sideman Drum Machine – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

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Artist usage

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See how Damon Albarn uses Wurlitzer Sideman

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 1:08:36, you can see Damon Albarn using the wurlitzer Sideman in this recording session for The Now Now

See how Moby uses Wurlitzer Sideman

Moby

Music Producer

Hanzel und Gretyl

...
Verified via reverb.com

Two "Model 5000 Kit 9021" units were sold on Reverb.com in 2018 for charity. The second listing can be found here.

First Listing

This Wurlitzer Side Man Standing Drum Machine Model 5000 Kit 9021 w/ Foot Switch is part of the private legendary drum machine collection of Moby.

Unbelievably rare now in 2019, the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company released the commercially produced drum machine -- The Sideman -- in 1959. The machine is “electro-mechanical” and has a choice of 12 electronically generated pre recorded rhythm patterns which can be played at variable tempos.

Unfortunately this unit doesn't fully work. Turns on and some individual drums trigger. Sequencer doesn't work. Constant noise. Sold As-Is.

All items in Moby's Drum Machine Collection ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity from Moby

Second Listing

This Wurlitzer Side Man Standing Drum Machine Model 5000 Kit 9021 is part of the private legendary drum machine collection of Moby.

The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company released an early commercially produced drum machine called the Sideman in 1959. It was an “electro-mechanical” drum machine that offered a choice of 12 electronically generated predefined rhythm patterns with variable tempos.

The sound source was a series of vacuum tubes which created 10 preset electronic drum sounds. The drum sounds were ‘sequenced’ by a rotating disc with metal contacts across its face, spaced in a certain pattern to generate parts of a particular rhythm. Combinations of these different sets of rhythms and drum sounds created popular rhythmic patterns of the day, e.g. waltzes, fox trots etc. These combinations were selected by a rotary knob on the top of the Sideman box.

The tempo of the patterns was controlled by a slider that increased the speed of rotation of the disc. The Sideman had a panel of 10 buttons for manually triggering drum sounds, and a remote player to control the machine while playing from an organ keyboard. The Sideman was housed in a portable wooden cabinet that contained the sound generating circuitry, amplifier and speaker.

Serial: 614921. Doesn't fully work. Turns on and individual drums trigger however the sequencer doesn't work. Has constant noise. Sold As-Is.

All items in Moby's Drum Machine Collection ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity from Moby

See how Oneohtrix Point Never uses Wurlitzer Sideman

Oneohtrix Point Never

Music Producer

Ford & Lopatin

...
Verified via Facebook

Oneohtrix Point Never can be seen in this video on his Facebook page using a Wurlitzer Sideman.

See how John Carroll Kirby uses Wurlitzer Sideman

John Carroll Kirby

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Instagram

In a live performance video from Stones Throw Studios, John Carroll Kirby is seen using a Wurlitzer Sideman drum machine.

Album Usage

The Wurlitzer Sideman has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Wurlitzer Sideman, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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