Dan G. Nickelodeon Co. Orchestrion Picture Progress report
May 4 2024 The following pictures etc. are showing the restoration of a Nickelodeon Co.
Orchestrion that was custom built for our customer in 1980's now 25 years later it is ready for a complete restoration of the pneumatic items such as the working cloths, leathers etc.
Orchestrion that was custom built for our customer in 1980's now 25 years later it is ready for a complete restoration of the pneumatic items such as the working cloths, leathers etc.
We found that the spool frame no longer performed the automatic rewinding of the music roll at the end of the last song Upon inspection we found that the pouches located in the valves had deteriorated and in need of restoration.
May 15 2024. Work continues onto the dismantling of the instrument
The first main item is the piano action and tuning etc.
The following pictures are a great window as to what is inside an orchestrion and the various systems that were invented well over 200 years ago.
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
The first main item is the piano action and tuning etc.
The following pictures are a great window as to what is inside an orchestrion and the various systems that were invented well over 200 years ago.
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
May 24 Work continued with the restoration of the piano player system which included new pouches, pneumatic recovering and valve seats. The Piano action also had the hammers reshaped and missing dampers replaced. The tuning of the piano was done over 5 days to bring the piano slowly back up to concert pitch which is A440 and will once again be in tune with the accordion.
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
June 1/24 Work continues onto restoration of the mandolin attachement, Accordion regulator, Triangle and the start of retubing the instrument. We take pictures not only so the customer can see what is being done but also for our own referances when reassembling the instrument and also occasionally making improvements.
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
June 8 2024 Work continues onto the many different instruments contained in this instrument
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
Pictures are not always in correct order of work being done for some reason.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
June 15/24, another busy week completed with the accordion restoration now completed and the accordion once again installed into the orchestrion along with the restored spool frame etc.
Next item is the glockenspiel which also required replacement of the pneumatic cloth which had become very stiff and leaking in the corners. We also made several improvements to the glock with metal screws where the wooden balls strice the glock bars and individual adjustments for each of the 24 pneumatics so each note is now controlable regarding the pneumatic strike and sustaine of the note.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
June 15/24, another busy week completed with the accordion restoration now completed and the accordion once again installed into the orchestrion along with the restored spool frame etc.
Next item is the glockenspiel which also required replacement of the pneumatic cloth which had become very stiff and leaking in the corners. We also made several improvements to the glock with metal screws where the wooden balls strice the glock bars and individual adjustments for each of the 24 pneumatics so each note is now controlable regarding the pneumatic strike and sustaine of the note.
June 23/24, Progress continues on the restoration of the Orchestrion with the instillation of the Accordion and Glockenspiel. In order to make future piano tuning, regulation e3tc I made the glockenspiel mounts from hinges so now the Glock can fold up out of the way instead of having to be phisically removed.
Also the restored spool frame, woodblock and castinets, snare drum and top crash cymbal were installed which complete the top section of the instrument.
Next was to remove the lower section instruments for restoration etc. At the end of this picture progress report is a video showing the top section playing. I'm sure you will notice a big improvement in the glockenspiels sound and I was able to include 5 more notes from the accordion with the music roll.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
Also the restored spool frame, woodblock and castinets, snare drum and top crash cymbal were installed which complete the top section of the instrument.
Next was to remove the lower section instruments for restoration etc. At the end of this picture progress report is a video showing the top section playing. I'm sure you will notice a big improvement in the glockenspiels sound and I was able to include 5 more notes from the accordion with the music roll.
To enlarge a picture just click on it.
Julu 7/24 great progress over the past two weeks.
Bottom instruments restored and installed. Coming week will be final tunings and regulation of all instruments.
Coin box was moved from inside instrument to the left outside wall which allows for easier access to empty coins.
Bottom instruments restored and installed. Coming week will be final tunings and regulation of all instruments.
Coin box was moved from inside instrument to the left outside wall which allows for easier access to empty coins.
July 15 2024 The instrument is now completed and ready to go home after 192 hours of restoration.
