*Click on pictures for enlarged image. 

In 1920, Operators Piano Company introduced its largest orchestrion, the “Super Orchestra,” or Coinola SO. This was after Seeburg Piano Company had significantly cut its production of large orchestrions. Judging by the serial numbers of the extant instruments (of which there are only three), approximately 40 SO orchestrions were made.

The SO has full capacity of the popular “O” roll instrumentation. It features a solo device equipped piano with mandolin attachment, two ranks of pipes (24 each, flute and violin), 24-note xylophone, bass drum with tympani effect, snare drum, cymbal, triangle, wood block, tambourine, and crash cymbal (mounted outside of the cabinet in the top for dramatic effect).

This instrument was assembled by D.C. Ramey Piano Company in the mid 1980’s. Dave Ramey, Sr. purchased an original SO from Svoboda’s Nickelodeon Tavern and Museum and assembled this instrument before selling the original SO. Dave had plans drawn from an original SO, and reproduced the cabinet. Most of the major interior components are original Coinola parts, including; the piano, xylophone, flute pipes, music roll mechanism, pump hardware, and coin mechanism, as well as a few minor components. It features art glass made from patterns of original glass by Drehobl Brothers, the original manufacturers.  Included with the instrument are twelve re-cut Style O music rolls (more are available).