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MMD > Archives > June 2015 > 2015.06.15 > 03Prev  Next


Coinola C Models CX, CF, C-2
By Don Teach

Coinola C models came in several versions over the years. The CX is
a case style with three panels of glass with the middle panel having
flowers in a vase.  The clear glass around it can be ribbed clear or
a glass known as glue chip.  The two outside panels are columns.  The
second letter X denotes xylophone that is a twenty-four note Deagan.

Some models were CF denoting flute pipes.  There was also a C model
that played expression rolls found in a case known as a C-2 style case.
Some played A rolls and some played O rolls.  There is not enough
information known to tell if it is early or late playing A rolls.  My
gut feeling is that the earlier ones played A rolls but really there
is no way to tell.

There was also a C model that played the A roll with piano and
mandolin.  The CX with bells could also be a Model A in a different
case that had a square window in the middle and two oval windows on
each side.  These are not in the Encyclopedia.  They were early and are
known as the Model A.  It came with bells or pipes or just piano with
mandolin.  The art glass varied.  Little is known about these early
models.  It would be great if anyone has one of these if they could
fill in the details with serial number and type if stack.

Some pianos had a stack with deck rails and others had the unit pneumatic
with either red fiber covers and a brass insert that was screwed in to
adjust valve travel while some unit pneumatic models had a Bakelite top
seat.  So there are four different stacks so far as I know.  The fourth
stack was a Gulbransen stack with screw on pneumatics.

The roll frame in the A roll model could have cast iron sides or it
could be a sheet steel sided frame.  Photos and more information as
well as the serial number and number on the front left of the stack
would be appreciated.

The motor pulley could have had three steps or two.  The inside
dimensions are 1.460, 1.677 & 1.55, rear to front.  It is 1.105
deep with a 1/2" hole for the motor shaft.  The grooves are small
V-shaped.

If you need parts such as valve covers made from fiber threaded 5/8-40
for the brass inserts I have some new ones.  If you need unit pneumatic
gaskets I have those also.

I would strongly suggest you buy new material for the actual valves.
I buy my valve disc from Organ Supply and used the smooth side out
pouch leather for the valves.

For the pouches I would use leather sealed very well with rubber
cement.  Use heavy cloth on the pump.  They play loud and strong when
restored properly.  The actual piano used in them are usually of high
quality.

There are still many unknown details about Coinola that would be
welcome.  See the MMD Archives for Coinola postcards and poster to see
models not in the Encyclopedia:

  http://www.mmdigest.com/Gallery/Pictures/Coinola/coinola_cards.html 

If Art Reblitz ever finishes his book with Dave Bowers there should be
a lot more detail about Coinola.  There were many models made that are
not found in the previous books, such as the Encyclopedia of Automatic
Musical Instruments, simply because the literature about them was not
known at the time.

Don Teach


(Message sent Mon 15 Jun 2015, 03:02:28 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  C, C-2, CF, Coinola, CX, Models

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