J. C. Deagan, Inc.
J. C. Deagan, Inc. is a former musical instrument manufacturing company that developed and produced instruments from the late 19th- to mid-20th century. It was founded in 1880 by John Calhoun Deagan and initially manufactured glockenspiels. It was noted for its development of the xylophone, vibraharp, organ chimes, aluminum chimes, aluminum harp, Swiss handbells, the marimba, orchestra bells, and marimbaphone.
Two vibraharps displayed at Century Mallet in Chicago, Illinois | |
Formerly | List
|
---|---|
Company type | Private (1880–1977) Brand (1977–present) |
Industry | Musical instruments |
Founded | 1880 |
Founder | John Calhoun Deagan |
Headquarters | 1770 W Berteau Avenue, , |
Parent | Slingerland (1977–84) Yamaha Corporation (1984–present) |
Church bells were revolutionized by Deagan through his design of tubular bells, and the NBC chimes were Deagan's creation. Railroad passengers were summoned to the dining car with "G-E-C" played on a Deagan chime.
The brand name ultimately was acquired by Yamaha, in 1984, and they distribute and sell products with the Deagan name. The tower of the former headquarters, still bearing the company name, is a landmark in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.