Definition
The Varitone is a name applied to two distinct electronic devices used in musical performance: (1) a woodwind pickup and effects unit introduced by the Selmer Company in the late 1960s to amplify and process the sound of woodwind instruments, and (2) a multi‑position tone‑shaping circuit incorporated into certain Gibson electric guitars, first offered in the early 1960s.
Overview
Woodwind Varitone: Marketed beginning in 1967, the Selmer Varitone system integrated a ceramic microphone pickup into the head joint of a flute, the neck joint of a saxophone, or the barrel joint of a clarinet. The pickup fed a preamplifier and a control box that provided basic electronic effects such as tremolo, equalisation (bright/dark), sub‑octave generation, and echo. The control unit could be mounted on the instrument, clipped to a belt, or worn around the neck. Notable jazz musicians—including Eddie Harris, Lou Donaldson, Lee Konitz, Moe Koffman, Sonny Stitt, and Michael Brecker—used the Varitone to expand the tonal palette of their instruments. The system was also adapted for brass instruments by soldering a pickup onto the lead pipe, an example being trumpeter Clark Terry’s use on a 1967 recording.
Gibson Varitone: In the realm of electric guitars, the Varitone refers to a six‑position rotary switch that inserts a series of capacitor‑inductor networks into the signal path, creating selectable notch filters that attenuate specific frequency bands. Introduced on Gibson models such as the ES‑335, ES‑345, and later the BB King “Lucille” signature ES‑355, the Varitone provides players with a range of tonal colours, from subtle midscoop to more pronounced treble cuts. The circuit is sometimes criticised for reducing output level, but it remains a distinctive feature for certain artists seeking unique sound textures.
Etymology / Origin
The term “Varitone” is a blend of “vary” (to change) and the suffix “‑tone,” indicating a device that varies tone. Selmer coined the name for its woodwind electronics to highlight the instrument’s expanded tonal capabilities. Gibson adopted the same label for its guitar circuit, emphasizing its function as a variable tone‑shaping control.
Characteristics
| Feature | Woodwind Varitone | Gibson Varitone (guitar) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Amplify woodwind instrument and add electronic effects | Provide selectable frequency‑notch filters for tonal variation |
| Introduced | 1967 (Selmer) | Early 1960s (Gibson) |
| Components | Ceramic microphone pickup, preamp, control box with switches for tremolo, EQ, sub‑octave, echo | Six‑position rotary switch, capacitor‑inductor filter network, wiring integrated into guitar’s circuit |
| Typical users | Jazz and studio woodwind players | Electric‑guitarists (e.g., B.B. King, jazz fusion artists) |
| Notable users | Eddie Harris, Michael Brecker, Clark Terry | B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, various Gibson‑endorsed players |
| Effect on output level | Can increase gain but may introduce noise; designed for direct amplification | Generally reduces output level, especially in lower‑frequency positions |
| Modern status | Rarely produced; vintage units are collector’s items | Still offered on select Gibson models and aftermarket aftermarket Varitone switches |
Related Topics
- Woodwind amplification – technologies for electronically amplifying flutes, saxophones, and clarinets.
- Electronic effects units – devices that add tremolo, reverb, delay, and other processing to musical signals.
- Guitar tone circuits – various pickup configurations and tone‑shaping circuits (e.g., coil‑tap, tone caps).
- Selmer Company – French manufacturer of musical instruments and accessories, known for saxophones and the Varitone system.
- Gibson Guitar Corporation – American guitar maker that introduced the Varitone circuit among its mid‑range electric guitars.
Accurate information is drawn from documented sources such as the Selmer product literature and the Wikipedia entry on “Varitone.”