Violana Virtuoso Automated Musical Instrument Machine by the Mills Novelty Company
Item Details
Violano Virtuoso by Mills Novelty. The Violano is entirely automatic run by ‘electric lighting current,’ (electricity). It was coin operated, running on a nickel. Unlike other automatic music machines, the Violano was not operated pneumatically via a paper roll, but was electromagnetically operated with electric motors and solenoids. As each violin string has a separate bow, two or more stings are played at the same time, thus giving the effect of a three or four piece stringed orchestra. The violin stayed in tune by a sophisticated array of tuning arms and weights. The vibrato was produced by using an electromagnet to shake the tail-piece of the violin. The piano had 44 notes, half the number of keys found on a normal piano keyboard. It was played by regular hammers using a standard player piano action. The hammers were activated by electromagnets. Also included is the wood storage cabinet to store the music rolls played in the Violano Vitruoso. Group includes (16) music rolls, (7) NEW rolls. NOTE: Extremely heavy musical instrument and should be moved by professional movers. THIS ITEM MUST BE REMOVED ON THURSDAY MARCH 28TH OR FRIDAY MARCH 29TH…NO ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE. PLEASE BID ACCORDINGLY.
Condition
Good for age and use. Slight loss of veneer to bottom. Original finish has alligatoring to surface. * Plays beautifully!*
Dimensions
Violano = 43" W x 64" H x 30" D; Cabinet = 24" W x 56" H x 18" D
Item #
13CIN014-002
