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 1999 > 1999.10.25 > 08Prev  Next


Pressure vs. Suction Player Systems
By Bob Conant

In 991023 MMD Andrew Barrett wrote and Robbie commented:

> Second, I've read in the Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments
> about certain models of Aeolian Orchestrelle using pressure and a roll
> box.  I've never heard of a reed organ using pressure!

>[ A vacuum system is convenient for music rolls because the paper
>[ is sucked into contact with the tracker bar.  Some cardboard book
>[ systems operate with pressure, but a grooved roller is usually
>[ needed to keep the music in contact with the tracker bar.  Putting
>[ the tracker bar inside a pressurized box is a solution, but it's
>[ inconvenient...

Andrew,  There are two types of "pressure" systems.  The type used by
Aeolian on the Orchestrelles still has air passing _into_ the tracker
bar the same as a vacuum system.  Because the air pressure is elevated
above atmospheric, the spool box is enclosed and pressurized.

On a band organ using a pressure roll system, the air flows _out_ of
the tracker bar and therefore a metal weight is applied so that the
paper roll does not blow off of the tracker bar.  Once you understand
this, the internals are all standard pneumatics with valves, pouches,
bleeds, etc.

Bob Conant
Endicott, NY


(Message sent Mon 25 Oct 1999, 14:00:12 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Player, Pressure, Suction, Systems, vs

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