Orchestrion | Technology | History

«Orchestrion»

An orchestrion is a generic name for a machine that plays music and is designed to sound like an orchestra or band.

Style G - Art Style Orchestrion. The Style G orchestrion was introduced in 1911. Seeburg described the Style G as containing: "piano, two sets of wood pipes (violin and flute), mandolin attachment, bass drum, snare drum, tympani, cymbal and triangle.
EXCEPTIONAL volume. A wonderful example of the remarkable accomplishment in automatic music. New and original scale of seven and one-third octaves, over-strung copper bass, three unison throughout.

Orchestrion by J.P.Seeburg Company, 1913.

Ornamental full iron plate, imported tuning pins and music wire; highest grade imported wcol hammers; best grade ivory keys and ebony sharps. Electrically illuminated from within. Double veneered hardwood case, finished in durable mission oak".

Decorative Art Glass.
Orchestrion by J.P.Seeburg Company, 1913.

The leaded art-glass panel includes, on the left, a pastoral scene with a cabin under some trees on the shore of a lake with a mountain in the background. A windmill and a large barn silhouetted against trees can be seen on the right side of the panel, illuminated from behind by two incandescent light bulbs located inside the orchestrion.

Bass Drum
Orchestrion by J.P.Seeburg Company, 1913.

Using a pneumatic action powered by an electric motor, the instrument is operated by changeable perforated paper rolls that each contain ten different tunes, operatic and orchestral repertoire.

Orchestrion by J.P.Seeburg Company, 1913.

Orchestrion | Technology | History