Francis Socin, St. Charles, patents piano, 1932
St. Charles (Kane County, Illinois) Chronicle, Aug. 25, 1932. Francis Socin Given Patent on Portable Piano He Invented. Francis Socin, of 713 Prairie St., foreman of the grand piano department of the Cable Piano Company, has been granted letters of patent on a portable piano that he has been working on for years. The first practical working model has just been completed by Mr. Socin. It is a compact four octave piano with a piano keyboard action, yet uses a music box type vibrating tong instead of wires.Mr. Socin is of the opinion that the piano complete could be made on a production basis to sell for about $25 and that the schools offer a vast field for its sale. It would replace the present cardboard soundless box now in use in many schools where music is taught. The tones are true and the students would respond to the sound and take more interest than merely hitting a pasteboard key that resounded with a mere thump.He has made no effort as yet to market his idea other than to approach the officials of the Cable Co. They have the manufacture and sale of it under advisement.Mr. Socin is an accomplished musician. He is a pianist of more than ordinary ability and has an excellent voice. He sings with the Fox Valley Choral Society. (Posted as a courtesy, not related.)