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 > November 2012 > 2012.11.29 > 04Prev  Next


Nickelodeon Spool Frame With Belt Drive
By David Dewey

Hi all,  I looked at a converted upright piano today that has drums,
castanets, triangle and cymbal playing off a "G" roll.  There are two
vacuum boxes, both with "Lee Music Co." stickers on them.  Apparently
I did some work on this piano back in 1990, as there is a small PPCo
box with my address on it in the piano with some valve boxes in it.
I don't remember it at all (this is the scary part!).

The take-up spool drive belt has gone bad.  It appears to be a large
rubber O-ring, or a vacuum cleaner belt.  Also, the drive motor, in my
opinion, appears to be running slow; I didn't readily see an adjustment
for that.  Any ideas?

 [ See the belt-driven spool frame pictured at
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Gallery/Tech/SpoolF/gloeggler.html 
 [ It has been identified as built 1975-1984 by George Cooper
 [ of Mechanical Music Mfg. Co., Wichita, Kansas.  -- Robbie

It's all built into a Cable & Sons 1915 upright.  The owner has had it
for years and wants to get it right again.  Also, it's very loud for
the home, even though it's a large house.  The owner told me he has
stuffed blankets into the back side to tone it down, but it's still
very loud.  I assume there must be an adjustment on the vacuum boxes.
When I go back I will take portable lights!  I only had 15 minutes to
look it over this time, so didn't dig deeper.

Thanks!
David Dewey


(Message sent Thu 29 Nov 2012, 17:24:44 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Belt, Drive, Frame, Nickelodeon, Spool

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