Olson listed the X-100 “Deluxe Rhythm-Beat” in its 1971 catalogue at $129.98: a solid-state rhythm instrument with selectable preset circuits, individual beat sounds and a connection intended for an organ, guitar or hi-fi amplifier.
A complete rhythm section for one player
Olson introduced the X-100 as a “complete rhythm section for the single performer.” Its 1971 catalogue placed the unit beside electric organ, guitar and hi-fi amplification, then made the case for it in practical terms: the rhythm keeps going while the player carries the melody. The catalogue price was $129.98.
Period press
Olson X-100 Deluxe Rhythm-Beat
Lead photograph in Matrixsynth’s Olson X-100 post. The unit’s Olson badge and X-100 control panel are visible.
Eight voices and two rhythm circuits
The catalogue lists Tom-Tom, Conga, Claves, Snare Drum, Maracas, Cymbal-A and Cymbal-B among the X-100’s eight beat sounds. It also says that two rhythm circuits can be combined at once, with rhythm parts called in at the touch of a button. This is a preset box with a little room for a player to change the shape of the accompaniment.
Surfin, Swing and the rest of the panel
Olson’s named rhythm list is a good portrait of the X-100’s moment: Waltz, Swing, Surfin, Twist, Bossa Nova, Rumba, Mambo and Cha Cha. Tempo runs from fast to slow and the individual beat sounds are mixed automatically into those patterns. It is accompaniment technology sold with pop music written directly on the panel.
A surviving X-100
A 2014 Matrixsynth post preserved photographs of a surviving X-100, letting the Museum keep the object close to the catalogue description. The image is presented as visual evidence of the exact labelled model; the historical claims on this page remain tied to Olson’s 1971 catalogue.
Matrixsynth, “OLSON X-100 RHYTHM BEAT Preset Drum Machine with Triggers” ↗
Sources
The visual archive