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Evidently Seeburg had extensive plans for the P-G-A for it took the
step of mentioning the P-G-A on the labels of certain"A" rolls sold by
its subsidiary, the Automatic Music Roll Co. about this time. What
went wrong with these plans we don't know. We do know that few
P-G-A nickelodeons were made and, to our knowledge, just this one
specimen survives today. This identical instrument is pictured on page
87 of "A Guidebook of Automatic Musical Instruments."
The P-G-A is compact and well built. A number of years ago it was
rebuilt, but it plays weakly today, so tightening of the chests and
possibly some supplementary rebuilding are indicated. The rebuilding
was a nice job, so this will save you perhaps 800/0 of the work normally
needed.
The roll frame is conveniently located at the center top. It is easily
accessible by simply tilting down the hinged front art glass panel. The
roll plays the piano and automatically operates the mandolin
attachment and the piano expression controls.
The case of the P-G-A is of mahogany ornamented with a large
multicolored art glass panel on the front. The coin slot is located just
around the upper corner on the left side of the cabinet. Some slight
touchup work is all that is needed to have the cabinet appear sparkling.
Measurements are 4'9" high, 3'4" wide, and 2' deep.
Except for the telltale art glass front (which is illuminated from
behind when the instrument plays) the P-G-A looks more like a piece of
furniture than a nickelodeon. As such, it might find its ideal next home
in the residence of one of our readers.
Our catalogues have offered virtually the entire range of Seeburg
instruments from the small Style L to the rather sizable Style H, but
never have we offered a P-G-A. Hence, it is a real pleasure to offer one
now. Here, truly, is an opportunity that may never again be repeated.
Our price is low. The next owner will have a treasure that is missing
from every other collection in America! $1995.00 (Stock No.
SEE-4070)
SEEBURG STYLE E WITH PIPES
In beautiful case
In its light quartered oak case with rich grain patterns this Seeburg
Style E piano with violin pipes is very attractive. Dating from shortly
after 1920, it has the 1920's type of art glass with clear glass interstices.
This provides an effective combination of a beautiful art glass scene of
forested slopes with a "sky" of clear glass - through which the violin
pipes and piano action may be seen.
F scriauRO PIli r
OIHOhGO
-56-
We are not sure whether this instrument was originally a Seeburg E
with xylophone or whether it had the violin pipes as it does now.
Perhaps this makes no difference, as the interior parts: chests, controls,
pneumatic stack, combination wind and vacuum pump (necessary for
operating the pipes), and most, if not all, of the other parts are Seeburg
components. We are prompted to make this observation by: (1)
noticing some screwholes on the inside of the case in the position in
which a xylophone may have been mounted, and (2) by the fact that
during the 1920's this particular case style usually accommodated the
xylophone as the extra unit. This was because a system with pipes
would have been more intricate and costly. A xylophone requires only
vacuum, and the same pump that provides vacuum for the piano part
and controls is sufficient for the xylophone also. On the other hand, a
rank of pipes requires pressure - so a separate pressure source, usually a
combination vacuum/pressure pump of special design - is necessary.
Seeburg did, however, make Style E coin pianos with violin pipes;
however, these were of different case styling and art glass format and
were produced in the pre-1920 years when competition was less intense
and economy was not so great of a consideration. All of this discussion
is perhaps unnecessary, as the instrument is attractive, does have
Seeburg components, and, when rebuilt, will play nicely. However,
trivial details have always interested us, and this particular piano ­
although purchased by us as a regular Seeburg violin piano - aroused
our curiosity. Perhaps one of our readers can elucidate further on the
matter.
The instrument has been rebuilt in the past, but it now plays only
feebly. A complete restoration is not necessary, nor is it recommended
even if cost may not be a factor with you. Rather, a partial rebuilding
of selected components combined with some regulation and adjustment
work is all you need. The exterior of the case is choice and will require
no attention. The art glass is likewise choice, bright, and in excellent
condition.
The Style E uses regular type "A" coin piano rolls which provide the
capability to operate the piano (with soft pedal and sustaining pedal),
the mandolin attachment, and the rank of violin pipes. With it goes one
10-tune rolls. Others are available cheaply.
An attractive, well built, and choice Seeburg nickelodeon piano!
S1995.00(Stock No. SEE-3192)
BEAUTIFULLY REBUILT SEEBURG K
With piano, mandolin and xylophone.
The Seeburg Style K, or the "Seeburg Eagle" as collectors sometimes
call it, is perhaps the typical American nickelodeon of the 1920's. The
Style K was made in large numbers - probably in the thousands - and
several dozen survive today.
Back in 1925 Seeburg described the Style K as follows:
"STYLE K - "Midget Orchestrion." Piano, mandolin, and
xylophone. Fancy and effective. Beautiful case design 61-note scale of
exceptional tone quality.
"Double veneered hardwood case, finished in silver grey, gold
trimmings, or in regular mission oak. Attractive art glass, electrically
illuminated from within... Automatic loud and soft control; mandolin
and xylophone 'off and on' controls. Uses Style 'A' ten selection music
roll with famous Seeburg rewind system.