Ace Electronic Industries Inc., or Ace Tone, was a manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, including electronic organs, analogue drum machines, and electronic drums, as well as amplifiers and effects pedals. Founded in 1960 by Ikutaro Kakehashi with an investment by Sakata Shokai, Ace Tone can be considered an early incarnation of the Roland Corporation, which was also founded by Kakehashi. Ace Tone began manufacturing amplifiers in 1963.
Ace Tone TOP-1
Ace Tone unknown home organ model. (possibly Ace 3000 in the 1970s)
National SX-601 (1963) exhibited at Roland Corporation Hamamatsu Lab.
Hammond VS-300 Cadette (1973–?)
A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument that creates percussion sounds, drum beats, and patterns. Drum machines may imitate drum kits or other percussion instruments, or produce unique sounds, such as synthesized electronic tones. A drum machine often has pre-programmed beats and patterns for popular genres and styles, such as pop music, rock music, and dance music. Most modern drum machines made in the 2010s and 2020s also allow users to program their own rhythms and beats. Drum machines may create sounds using analog synthesis or play prerecorded samples.
A BOSS DR-3 Dr. Rhythm drum machine
Rhythmicon (1932) and Joseph Schillinger, a music educator
Wurlitzer Sideman (1959, inner view)
Seeburg/Gulbransen Rhythm Prince using a mechanical wheel, as seen on bailed out left panel