Popper Orchestrion Music Roll Spool Flanges

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Popper orchestrions are expertly crafted with punched paper rolls that allow them to robotically play piano, organ, drums, xylophone and numerous other musical instruments. Made by Popper an Co. in Leipzig in the early 1900s, these unique instruments feature spool flanges typically made of wood which sometimes break apart but this design allows new ones to be printed so the music rolls may be played without damage. The design is available in three models and printing the parts in ABS plastic yields excellent results, while PLA should also print well. Popper Orchestrion Spool Flange ver3 is the flange itself, identical for both ends, and printing two of these with the flat side on the build plate achieves a smooth surface against the roll. Popper Orchestrion Spool Driving Arbor ver2 completes the assembly in the drive side by going through the hole in the flange. Printing this part with the larger round diameter flat against the build plate is essential, and then gluing it in place is necessary. Popper Orchestrion Spool Free Arbor ver2 also goes through the hole in the flange to complete the assembly in the freely spinning side. Similar to the previous step, print this part with the larger round diameter flat against the build plate and glue it into place. After assembling the parts, screw a small machine screw into the hole in the drive side flange to adjust the roll tracking position on the tracker bar. It usually threads itself into the plastic easily. Best wishes to anyone who enjoys their mechanical music instrument! For information on music boxes, nickelodeons, player pianos, orchestrions and player organs, visit www.mbsi.org, a great organization that offers help restoring and enjoying these old musical robots.