Regarding the Otto Accordion, I have one that is fully operational.
I love it! The only problem that I am experiencing is the glue that
was used is failing; it is unlike the old-time hide glue in reed
organs and player pianos, etc. The triangle assembly fell off on my
instrument, and a few of the hammers for the xylophone have loosened.
But after regluing those minor issues, it still plays wonderfully.
In addition to the accordion, it has two snares, a bass drum, the
xylophone (shutters on top of the case open when the xylophone plays)
and the triangle. The accordion has a few different stops to vary
the sound of those reeds, and the operational bass chords are
minimal -- not the 120 bass that the larger accordions boast -- but
certainly sufficient for the style "G" music rolls.
I bought the Otto and my calliope from the daughter of the man who
originally secured them. She told me that her dad was into trains
and that some kind of a trade was made between her dad and Miner
Manufacturing. Her dad traded a locomotive, or train, or parts or
something, and in turn received the Otto and a special calliope, lots
of rolls for both, and probably some other things. So, I was very
interested in the YouTube video that Robbie referenced. Finally, the
train trade made more sense to me.
We are downsizing, so anyone interested in an operational Otto
Accordion can contact me.
Thanks,
Carl Shannon
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