Lafayette’s 1977 and 1979 catalogues list the King-Beat seven-pattern rhythm box as accompaniment for groups and soloists. These dated retail entries establish its presence in that dealer’s range, not its manufacturer, launch date or complete production history.
Sources (2)
Choose a rhythm, set the pace
Slow Rock, Latin, Twist, Fox Trot, Waltz, Mambo and Go-Go gave the King-Beat its small repertoire. Lafayette’s 1977 catalogue offered it to groups and soloists, with tempo, volume and a start/stop lever close to hand. The rhythms could also be mixed.
Lafayette 1977 catalogue, page 56: King-Beat 7-Pattern Automatic Rhythmmer ↗
Made to fit the existing setup
Lafayette supplied an amplifier cable and four mounting brackets. The walnut-finished cabinet could join equipment the musician already owned, with mounting hardware included in the package. The dealer was selling a way to add accompaniment alongside another instrument.
Lafayette 1977 catalogue, page 56: King-Beat 7-Pattern Automatic Rhythmmer ↗
Back in the catalogue
In 1977, item 13 P 65543 cost $69.95. The 1979 catalogue returned to the King-Beat on page 127 as item 13 A 65543 at $79.99, retaining the seven rhythm names, cable and brackets. The repeated listing follows the box through two moments in Lafayette’s American range; its original manufacturer remains unidentified.
Lafayette 1977 catalogue, page 56: King-Beat 7-Pattern Automatic Rhythmmer ↗ Lafayette 1979 catalogue, page 127: King-Beat 7-Pattern Automatic Rhythmmer ↗
Sources
The visual archive