Singing Kirbys

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I was discussing the distinctive sound of the 500-series Kirbys with a fellow collector.

The early Kirbys do have a very unique sound. They actually play a chord. This is due to the combined whining of the main suction fan with the smaller cooling fan inside.

In the 505-515 models there's a ground tone, then an octave, then a flatted 7th and then another octave (e.g, F+F+Eb +F).

In the 516-562 models there's a ground tone, then an octave, then a 13th, in or around the key of G (e.g, G+G+B8va).

There is some fluctuation (give or take a fractional semitone) amongst various specimens of the same models.)

There are also many softer overtones, in some case imperceptible to the naked ear. But these are the primary tones that render that "Distinctive Kirby Sound."

This is why it's so easy to tell when there's something wrong with the machine, especially a broken fan blade. The "chord" is out-of-tune.

You can check this for yourself if you have a piano -- turn a Kirby on, listen for a moment, they play the corresponding chord on the piano.

(Note that these harmonic tones are more audible when using the Kirby with a hose rather than the rug nozzle.)

Musical Kirby Class 101 dismissed!

This post was last edited 02/09/2015 at 20:37


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Post# 315033 2/9/2015 at 17:20 (3,361 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes ~ ~ I was discussing the distinctive sound of the 500-series Kirbys with a fellow collector. The early Kirbys do have a very unique sound. They actually play a chord. This is due to the combined whining of the main suction fan with the smaller cooling fan inside. In the 505-515 models there's a ground tone, then an octave, then a flatted 7th and then another octave (e.g, F+F+Eb +F). In the 516-562 models there's a ground tone, then an octave, then a 13th, in or around the key of G (e.g, G+G+B8va). There is some fluctuation (give or take a fractional semitone) amongst various specimens of the same models.) There are also many softer overtones, in some case imperceptible to the naked ear. But these are the primary tones that render that "Distinctive Kirby Sound." This is why it's so easy to tell when there's something wrong with the machine, especially a broken fan blade. The "chord" is out-of-tune. You can check this for yourself if you have a piano -- turn a Kirby on, listen for a moment, they play the corresponding chord on the piano. (Note that these harmonic tones are more audible when using the Kirby with a hose rather than the rug nozzle.) Musical Kirby Class 101 dismissed! This post was last edited 02/09/2015 at 20:37

Post# 315042 , Reply# 1 2/9/2015 at 18:07 (3,361 days old) by kirbyrama (Pennsylvania)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *How Easy Is It* to replace the fan in a 519 model Kirby? I would like to try to do this myself. As of now , it has a plastic gray fan that has some significant nicks in it and debris accumulates. Recently ,it has made screeching noises.

Post# 315043 , Reply# 2 2/9/2015 at 18:16 (3,361 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)
Checkrate/Likes I do not know the models of Kirbys well enough to know what my aun'ts tan early 60s was, my first encounter with an uprigh or a Kirby, but it has That sound that I think they should sound like! Its a lovely note.

Post# 315050 , Reply# 3 2/9/2015 at 20:27 (3,361 days old) by Jeschbac (Texas)
Checkrate/Likes *Brilliant Post* I taught solfege and ear training in theory classes for years. I may take my 516 to class for some harmonic dictation!