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Wurlitzer BX Roll Changing Orchestrion

  • Writer: Donley Auctions
    Donley Auctions
  • May 8
  • 3 min read

The Grandeur of Mechanical Music: A Wurlitzer BX Roll Changing Orchestrion


Behold a magnificent marvel of mechanical music: a Wurlitzer BX Roll Changing Orchestrion! This impressive instrument, housed in a beautifully professionally refinished and redecaled quarter-sawn oak cabinet, offers a glimpse into a time when automated orchestras provided entertainment on a grand scale.   


The Rise of the Orchestrion: Automated Entertainment

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a fascination with automated musical instruments. From simple music boxes to elaborate orchestrions, these devices brought the sounds of an entire orchestra into homes, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The orchestrion, in particular, was a complex machine designed to mimic the sounds of various instruments, all orchestrated through perforated paper rolls.   


The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, while also famous for its jukeboxes, was a significant player in the orchestrion market. Their instruments were renowned for their quality craftsmanship, intricate mechanisms, and the ability to reproduce a wide range of musical styles. Orchestrions provided a captivating and cost-effective alternative to live musicians, offering hours of entertainment at the turn of the 20th century.   


The Wurlitzer BX: Innovation in Roll Changing

The Wurlitzer BX series was a notable advancement in orchestrion technology, featuring an ingenious roll-changing mechanism. This particular model boasts a carousel capable of holding six music rolls, allowing for a continuous selection of music without manual intervention. This innovation made the BX a highly desirable instrument for public venues, providing a seamless and varied musical experience for patrons.   


A Symphony of Instruments

This Wurlitzer BX is a true orchestra in a cabinet, featuring a rich array of instrumental sounds: a piano forming the core, the bright and percussive sounds of a mandolin, the airy tones of flute pipes, the deep resonance of a bass drum, the crisp snap of a snare drum, and the delicate chime of a triangle. All these elements combine to create a surprisingly full and dynamic musical performance, driven entirely by the intricate programming on the paper rolls.   


A Survivor with Character

This particular orchestrion has been lovingly cared for, with its quarter-sawn oak cabinet professionally refinished and redecaled some time ago, presenting beautifully in overall good condition. The minor damage noted near the bottom ("at the toes") in the front is a testament to its age and history. The elaborate details of the cabinet are reported to be nicely intact and original, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Wurlitzer artisans.   


Adding to its visual appeal are the four elaborate stained glass panels on the front, described as beautiful and nicely intact, casting colorful light as the music plays. The pediment proudly displays its original wonder light, further enhancing its vintage charm. The original key tops, though slightly discolored with age, remain in good condition.


While the upper back access panel in the rear is missing, the heart of the instrument remains largely complete. Evidence of an older restoration suggests that this orchestrion has been brought back to life before and is currently in playing condition, ready to fill a space with its enchanting melodies.


Ready to Play Its Part in History

Included with this magnificent machine are a total of seven music rolls, six of which reside on the carousel within the piano, ready for automatic selection. The bottom of the piano houses its original coin mechanism, motor, and pump, all reported to be in good condition, hinting at its original function as a source of entertainment for paying customers.


Standing at an impressive 7 feet 9 inches tall, 5 feet 4 inches wide, and 2 feet 5 inches deep, and weighing approximately 1500 pounds, this Wurlitzer BX Roll Changing Orchestrion is a substantial and awe-inspiring piece. It's more than just a musical instrument; it's a testament to the ingenuity of early 20th-century engineering and a beautiful reminder of a bygone era of automated entertainment. This grand orchestrion would be a stunning centerpiece for any serious collection of antique musical instruments or a truly unique addition to a historically themed space.   






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