I have concentrated on collecting coin operated pianos for close to
40 years.  Occasionally someone will ask the question, "What is your
favorite?"  That is a very hard question to answer, as I seem to love
them all.

I was asked a couple of days ago what is the best cabinet orchestrion.
There are several that come to mind.  I personally would rather have
the keyboard version of any of the cabinet models.  I think the keyboard
models sound better.  For one example, a Seeburg E compared to a Seeburg
K: the piano is better in a keyboard model.  In some Seeburg E models
there are more notes played, as certain Seeburg E models play an extra
octave in the treble.

A Coinola X plays more notes in the bass than a cabinet model Coinola
Midget "O".  There are also a lot more Coinola X models around than
Midgets.  A Link 2E cabinet model is always a favorite with its
excellent musical arrangements, with the 2E being more plentiful than
the keyboard model.  There is no cabinet model equivalent of a Seeburg
H or Seeburg G with their full sound.

A Wurlitzer CX is a great sounding machine and has recently won the
hearts of many collectors as they are now discovering some of the great
music found on Wurlitzer rolls (although the great music is rare compared
to their total output of rolls) but no cabinet model version.  I guess
it is up to the readers and collectors that read MMD to suggest their
favorite coin operated piano.

The piano that I actually just listen to the most is still a Seeburg
with flute pipes playing the A roll -- or is it the Coinola X with its
great music arrangements?

I don't know.  They are all great.

Don Teach - Shreveport Music Co.
Shreveport, Louisiana