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MMD > Archives > April 2003 > 2003.04.24 > 01Prev  Next


Unknown 27" Symphonion with Unusual Combs
By Mark Singleton

I was hoping that someone may be able to help Identify a large 27"
Symphonion accompanied by 12 bells.  This not a model 118 (w or gl) as
illustrated in Bowers' "Encyclopedia", page 233, where it is written
that the aforementioned models has 167 musical notes plus 12 bells.
This figure, and comb configuration was correct on a model 118gl that
I had the pleasure of some years ago.

The Symphonion in question is in a walnut case, with square reeded
architectural columns, surmounted with Corinthian capitals, and
although unquestionably 'correct' in terms of originality, the
case/storebin or similar does not show up in Bowers, or any other
reference work I have seen.

The comb configuration, however, is what puzzles me.  It has four combs
(six including bells), _all_ in alternate strike, with a total of 120
teeth (excluding bells).  A simple calculation leaves me with no doubt
that standard 27" Symphonion discs would not play -- or am I missing
something obvious?

If anybody can help identify this machine, or indeed has a machine that
fits this description, I would very much like to hear from them.

Thank you group,
Mark Singleton, Blackpool, GB.


(Message sent Fri 25 Apr 2003, 10:43:35 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  27, Combs, Symphonion, Unknown, Unusual

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