Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > October 2003 > 2003.10.03 > 04Prev  Next


Bob Billings, Master Craftsman
By Roy Clason

Last year I purchased a Seeburg "L" that had seen better days.  Aside
from damage incurred in the move, the poor thing suffered water damage
and much abuse from a series of "repairs" carried out by a collection
of folks, unskilled physically and mentally.

After a long search, I luckily found Bob Billings.  Bob, a retired
electrical engineer with several assorted mechanical musical
instruments of his own, took on my "L" as a project worthy of his
knowledge and skills.

Bob dismantled and rebuilt every component of the instrument, as
well as the cabinet, to an as new or better condition.  When I say
better than new, I mean he replaced material, good in the 1920's,
with state-of-the-art materials, only available now.  Parts that
needed re-plating were re-plated.  Parts that had to be fabricated
he fabricated himself.  His workmanship was superb, his standards of
excellence far exceeded mine.

Although not a professional restorer, he allowed me to write a piece
about his work, which he'll read for the first time when MMD puts this
in their daily read.  Whether or not Bob takes on any new projects will
depend on his available time.  In any event, I can't praise him highly
enough.

Bob's shop is in northern Nevada, halfway between Carson City and
Reno; telephone number 1-775-853-4659.

Thanks for a job well done, Bob!

Roy Clason


(Message sent Fri 3 Oct 2003, 20:33:38 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Billings, Bob, Craftsman, Master

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page