I agree with Mr. Smith's remarks about the Seeburg "L." However, out
of all the coin-operated instruments I've had the privilege of hearing
(which is only the tip of the iceberg), my favorite delight is the
Seeburg "E" with reiterating xylophone mechanism. The "E" really catches
my ear with a tone that is engaging on many levels. My spine trembles
with excitement whenever I hear a song rendered by it. By now, I've
probably spent enough nickels on just listening to it to buy one.
There's nothing, though, like listening to a well-restored orchestrion,
a delicate music box, or finely tuned Encore Banjo. In this sense,
I cannot say that I have a particular favorite because I love them all.
I only wish I could afford one.
The musical programs I enjoy best are those which have a good variety.
I particularly enjoy any roll that includes a bouncy rag or two, lyrical
waltz, blues piece, march, and fox-trot. In this way, the listener can
experience all the expressive capabilities the orchestrion has to
offer. A program of all rags, for instance, can become a bit monotonous
and discourage profits unless, of course, the patrons enjoy old rag
music.
Nathan Bello
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