Varitone

The term "Varitone," primarily within the context of musical instruments, specifically refers to a type of electronic tone modification system. It is most notably associated with the Selmer Mark VI saxophone, where it served as an early attempt to electronically alter and expand the saxophone's tonal possibilities.

The Varitone system, as implemented by Selmer, typically involved a series of controls that allowed the player to select different pre-set electronic effects. These effects were intended to create a wider range of timbres and sonic textures than the saxophone could produce acoustically. While specific effects varied, they often included features such as vibrato, octave doubling, fuzz, and tremolo. The Varitone system generally consisted of an amplifier, a speaker, and the electronics integrated into the saxophone itself.

The system often required modifications to the saxophone, including the addition of pickups and control knobs. This permanently altered the instrument.

The Selmer Varitone saxophone, while innovative for its time, was not universally embraced. Some players appreciated the extended sonic palette, while others felt that the electronic effects sounded artificial or that the modifications compromised the instrument's acoustic tone and playability. As a result, Varitone saxophones are considered a niche within the broader history of the instrument. They remain of interest to collectors and players seeking to explore the potential of electronic tone modification with the saxophone.