The digital resource for band organs, orchestrions, player pianos and more!
Orchestrions
A Full Orchestra Programmed By Paper Roll, Book, or Barrel
At the turn of the century, no high-class dance hall, restaurant, or hotel could possibly excuse the absence of fine music. All across Europe and the United States, impressive orchestrions could be found playing hits of the day, different instruments catering to a variety of music tastes and styles. To this day, an orchestrion playing live in a establishment is a unique, immensely entertaining, and sure draw for customers!
Orchestrions and their music
Hupfeld Orchestrions are often considered the absolute best in terms of any self-playing musical instruments, and why can be answered in just a few seconds of listening to one. The superb musicality and precise German engineering makes these instruments absolutely breathtaking.
The instrument with a center moving scene is a Hupfeld Helios III-39, one of the largest built by the firm and one of only 2 known 'III' series Helios orchestrions.
Next is a Hupfeld Helios II-25. These instruments were immensely popular in Europe in the early 20th century. Unfortunately, the first world war's toll on Germany's economy significantly hindered Hupfeld's output of instruments.
A number of large orchestrions in Europe survived into the 1930's, but World War II resulted in many instruments being scrapped for metal. Possibly more were then bombed in Germany during raids. Fortunately, there are still several examples cherished by enthusiasts and captivating to all!
Violin orchestrions are certainly incredible to watch as well as to hear. Hupfeld's Phonoliszt-Violina is almost haunting in its ability to accurately play classical and popular music with human-like expression. Today, a Phonoliszt is one of the most sought-after and valuable instruments in all of automatic music.
The Mills Violano was the United States' answer to a violin orchestrion. Hailed as 'one of the greatest inventions of the early 20th century', this machine differs from almost every other mechanical instrument as it is electrically operated rather than pneumatically. Violanos were so popular that it is estimated around 1,000 Mills violin machines still exist.
Dance Organs are always a favorite of many designed to play a wide variety of music spanning from polkas to ragtime, to even rock and roll! They are characteristic in their variety of percussion and are highly visual, often accompanied by real accordions, wood and metal xylophones, and pipework designed with later jazz and big band music in mind. These were incredibly popular in dance halls and cafes in Europe and several still remain in use serving their original purpose today. In addition to the instruments themselves, credit is certainly due to music arrangers such as Albert Decap who really knew how to make a tune 'hot'!
Today, there are only a few dozen PianOrchestras left in existence, some of American 'PianOrchestra' origin and others originally sold by the Phillips 'Pianella' name in Germany. Very few automatic instruments play ragtime and other early American jazz quite like a Wurlitzer PianOrchestra. With its variety in percussion, instrumentation, and registers, you can get the sound of both an 'orchestra' or ragtime band!
This handsome case houses a Wurlitzer Style 30-A Mandolin PianOrchestra.
Below is a Wurlitzer Style 33 Mandolin PianOrchestra. These orchestrions were originally manufactured by Phillips of Germany and imported into the United States, then marketed by Wurlitzer as the PianOrchestra. A number of different styles of PianOrchestras were made as well as hundreds of rolls of American music. Unfortunately, The US Prohibition Act killed the market for the large orchestrion, forcing beer halls which housed these closed.
Above is a Welte 4 Concert Orchestrion. Unique in its warm mellow sound, this instrument excels at playing lighter classical works. The symmetrical 'sunburst' of trumpets and other visible pipework makes a Welte an eye catcher in any room. Many wealthy individuals purchased Welte instruments for their private residences ranging from Gilded Age mansions to European castles!