Orchestrion in Branson, MO
By Kera Anderson, forwarded by Pete Docter
I emailed Kera Anderson, from Sunday's digest, who had posted an ad about an orchestrion. Here is the info I received:
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Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 13:48:41 -0500 (EST)
From: Kiradir@aol.com (Kera Anderson)
To: doc@pixar.com
Dear Doc: I have no idea what MMD is or how my ad got posted there! I mean, I'm *glad* it did and I would be happy to elaborate on the orchestrion, but how do I 'get' there? I.e.: web address?
I have very little knowledge about orchestrions...all I know is that I have one, so please bear with my extravagant ignorance as I try to describe it for you:
The cabinet is walnut, rectangular, about 7-feet high and 3-1/2 to 4-feet wide, and over 2-feet deep. The coin-operating feed (and cheating button) are on the right side panel. The front has two long doors on top, that have lattice to let out sound, and a reverse painting or print of a castle scene inlaid in a stained-glass frame. The bottom 1/3 of the front has a couple of art tiles in it, and pulls forward to reveal storage for more rolls.
Behind the two doors are the 'guts' of the thing. It plays piano, cymbals, drums, castanets, pipes, whistles etc. The roll that plays the music is made of wood. It's about 2-1/2 to 3-feet wide and 10-12-inches in diameter, with metal TINES that stick up and make the music happen as it turns.
The whole thing, although coin-operated, is weight-driven. A huge crank fits in the right side and winds up the weight. The weight and steel cable that affix it to the orchestrion were dismantled to move it, and it worked great when we bought it -- the roll in it played a very rowdy, upbeat, polka-like song. Two extra rolls, wrapped in padded burlap, came with it.
Well, that's the best I can do. I offered the orchestrion on the Net as part of a large collection of wind-up phonographs, related memorabilia, and recordings.
Thanks for your letter! Kera
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There is a picture of the instrument at:
http://home.aol.com/dncswthppl
also try
http://home.aol.com/kiradir
Pete Docter
doc@pixar.com
[ We have sent a note of explanation and an invitation to subscribe.
[ -- Robbie |
(Message sent Tue 25 Feb 1997, 17:48:35 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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