MMD > Archives > February 1997 > 1997.02.25 > 10Prev  Next


Orchestrion in Branson, MO
By Kera Anderson

I emailed Kera Anderson, from Sunday's digest, who had posted an ad about
an orchestrion.  Here is the info I received:

---begin quoted message---
 Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 13:48:41 -0500 (EST)
 From: Kiradir@aol.com (Kera Anderson)
 To: doc@pixar.com

Dear Doc:  I have no idea what MMD is or how my ad got posted there!
I mean, I'm *glad* it did and I would be happy to elaborate on the
orchestrion, but how do I 'get' there?  I.e.: web address?

I have very little knowledge about orchestrions...all I know is that
I have one, so please bear with my extravagant ignorance as I try to
describe it for you:

The cabinet is walnut, rectangular, about 7-feet high and 3-1/2 to 4-feet
wide, and over 2-feet deep. The coin-operating feed (and cheating button)
are on the right side panel.  The front has two long doors on top, that
have lattice to let out sound, and a reverse painting or print of a
castle scene inlaid in a stained-glass frame.  The bottom 1/3 of the
front has a couple of art tiles in it, and pulls forward to reveal
storage for more rolls.

Behind the two doors are the 'guts' of the thing.  It plays piano,
cymbals, drums, castanets, pipes, whistles etc.  The roll that plays
the music is made of wood. It's about 2-1/2 to 3-feet wide and
10-12-inches in diameter, with metal TINES that stick up and make the
music happen as it turns.

The whole thing, although coin-operated, is weight-driven.  A huge crank
fits in the right side and winds up the weight.  The weight and steel
cable that affix it to the orchestrion were dismantled to move it, and it
worked great when we bought it -- the roll in it played a very rowdy,
upbeat, polka-like song.  Two extra rolls, wrapped in padded burlap,
came with it.

Well, that's the best I can do.  I offered the orchestrion on the Net as
part of a large collection of wind-up phonographs, related memorabilia,
and recordings.

Thanks for your letter!  Kera

---end quoted message---

There is a picture of the instrument at:
    http://home.aol.com/dncswthppl

also try
    http://home.aol.com/kiradir

Pete Docter¶
doc@pixar.com

 [ We have sent a note of explanation and an invitation to subscribe.
 [ -- Robbie

(Message sent Tue, 25 Feb 1997 09:48:35 -0800 , from time zone -0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Branson, MO, Orchestrion