Well, I am finally coming to the realization that I must build
nickelodeon parts again.  I have several of them in AutoCAD files,
but I next need to go ahead and build the prototypes.  20 years ago
I built them and did not draw them, so I can no longer build those.

I have no use for any of the instruments I have seen available for
purchase.  Most of them are poorly designed or made from plastic parts.
Our instruments will be purely chrome tanned leather and Australian
cloths.

I plan to build the complete instrument complement for nickelodeon
building, including duck calls, and salsa bells, (not previously found
on Nickelodeons)  but I have been putting it off, because we have been so
busy.  I am opening a retail store in a local mall, so I expect to soon
sell my only nickelodeon.  I will then be forced to build another one or
two.

The way we do it is we will build at least a dozen of each instrument.
We use the same materials and technology as was used in the teens and
twenties.  We will design it to save space where possible.  We use
symphonic quality instruments.

However, "Where do I start"?   What instrument do you want us to make
first?  This is an untuned percussion instrument.  If I get a consensus
from you, the people most likely to buy a quality instrument, then it
will give me a kick in the butt to get back into production.

There will, of course, be a money-back guarantee as with our restora-
tions.  I cannot give prices, but they will be competitive with the junk
that is out there.  It usually does not cost any more to build it right.
As I remember, depending on the cost of the actual instrument being
played, most untuned instruments are from $80 to $200.  You show interest
and I will build one and find out what it costs to build a run of each
instrument.

Email me and give me your preferences as to your first, second, and third
desired instrument.   Show me the interest--there is no commitment on
your part necessary.   Perhaps within a year or two I will have a full
complement of instruments on the shelf for sale for your next project or
mine.  We will eventually have all these available as a MIDI controlled
unit as well.

Also send me any of your other suggestions.  What do you really want in
your nickelodeon?  What about mini horse races, or model carousels, or
other display items inside the instrument?  (sort of a takeoff on the
horse race machines of old.)

Send me copies of your plans that you would like to have built.  If there
is demand, we will build it.  If you pay for it, of course, we will build
it anyway.   Send me your parts to duplicate.  We will make a dozen and
have them available.  Do you have good sources for symphonic quality
percussion instruments?  What size tambourine do you most wish for?
Snare Drum?  Bass Drum?  Cymbal?

I am also talking to pipe shops for duplicating some Wurlitzer photo-
player violin pipes similar to those in a Seeburg H.  I may have to shop
those around as they presently want in the neighborhood of $3000. for a
set of nickelodeon pipes.  They are the special imbedded tuner, nickelo-
deon toe and Frein mouth type pipes, which they have not built before.

Again, what are your wants?  What are you willing to pay for quality?
Let me know,   Lets talk.

D. L. Bullock     Piano World    St. Louis