via this auction
Translation via Matthias:
"This is not just an amplified Melodica - even sound synthesis is done completely electronically. While the outside looks like a normal melodica, this is in fact one of the first monophonic analog synthesizers - with a wind controller: a diaphragm is moved and more or less covers a photocell, which controls the volume envelope of the sound.
6 different tone colours can be set, along with a switchable band-pass filter to give the sound an I-, A- or U-staining. These filters can be altered with a continuous push-button according to a wah-wah effect (curiously labeled "bow-wow"). Through a 5-stop octave switch the scope of the 3-octave keyboard can be expanded to 8 octaves. There is also a vibrato effect with adjustable amplitude and frequency. 2 knobs are used to tune the instrument (pitch and splay).
This belongs to an external power supply-amplifier combination, which already own some preying and looks like a Fritz Lang movie.
The Electra Melodica was used in 1968 by the band "The Lovin 'Spoonful," but was probably too innovative for its time, so that a total of only 600 units were produced. The major weakness was the sensitive membrane, which got broken soon in many instruments.
This copy will not only work, but is also in surprisingly good condition - it was apparently played little. On the exterior there are almost no scratches, only the lettering is rubbed off a little. The interior is clean, all controls are working properly without scratching. Of course, all the keys work. In the upper quarter of the keyboard 4 keys sound about a semitone too high. However, these can be tuned - the curcuit board contains a trim potentiometer for each key.
The complete range of accessories is available: Connection cable Melodica - power supply / amplifier, output cable (6.3 mm jack), power cord, leather shoulder strap, 2 different mouthpieces, replacement lamps for photo diode and operating lights. All this is housed in a beautiful, sturdy case."
