Wurlitzer SideMan - 1950s Tube Drum Machine

The Wurlitzer SideMan was arguably the world’s first drum machine. It depends on whether you count the Chamberlin Rhythmate, which was introduced some years earlier, but featured tape loops instead of electronically generated drum sounds. (Please see my other videos for a demo of the Rhythmate.) In any event, the SideMan is definitely the first “beat box.“ I just picked this one up for $50. It’s got all its guts exposed so you can see how it works. And yes, you’re damn right that’s a Mark Hamill poster i