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MMD > Archives > September 2003 > 2003.09.29 > 10Prev  Next


Restoring Nelson-Wiggen 5X Nickelodeon
By Dean Moore

Hi Everybody,  I just purchased a Nelson-Wiggen 5X, with eleven
original 4X rolls, and am in big need of your help.  The instrument
appears to be about 95 percent original, with only minor repairs
being made in the past to keep it going the best they could.  I want
to completely go over the machine and hopefully bring it back to as
close to 100% as I can get it and am hoping that one (or more) of you
will take the time to help me.  Following is a list of the items that
are needed or at least would be very helpful in the restoration:

1.  Since several tubes are laying in the bottom of the machine (also
several were previously removed) does anyone have a tubing diagram of
this machine?

2.  The coin slot, coin accumulator and cash box have been removed and
replaced with a plain old wall switch.  I believe that these same coin
units were used in other Nelson-Wiggen models and maybe even by other
manufacturers, but I don't know for sure.  I am praying that one of you
might have a piano that has gone beyond restoration and might have the
missing parts so that the coin portion can be put back in place.  Any
suggestions or ideas will be greatly appreciated.

3.  Was the pump (which has a terrible knock) originally covered in
leather or cloth?

4.  This unit appears as though it has been someplace that was
displayed and played for the public as there is a small number 23
painted on the case below the cabinet lock and the original rollers
have been replaced by newer and larger rollers so that it would move
much easier.  They are the wrong rollers (and due to the larger size
the instrument is about 3 inches off of the ground) therefore I am
also looking for the correct rollers.

In the coming months I am sure that I will run into the same problems
that all of you have come across in restorations, so if anyone has
any suggestions for me on this instrument or pictures etc. please
contact me.

Sincerely, Dean Moore
Kimberling City, MO


(Message sent Mon 29 Sep 2003, 14:30:21 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  5X, Nelson-Wiggen, Nickelodeon, Restoring

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