TromboneChat

Elaborate player piano and violin device. 

When I think of "mechanical violin" I think of a Hurdy-Gurdy but this has much more nuance to it.

The vibrato mechanism seems to anticipate the later "whammy bar" concept for guitar.

I presume the performance is something crafted note-by-note on the paper roll and not somehow captured from a human player as some piano-only mechanisms could do.

https://www.youtube.com/v/YBzaSVbCWxM


Article:

The Self-Playing Violins That Mastered Chopin

Interesting you should post this here.  While in Michigan last week, I visited the Stahl Automotive Foundation Museum in Chesterfield, Michigan.  http://www.stahlsauto.com/

In addition to a well-displayed collection of fine cars, the museum houses a collection of antique music machines.  Their holdings include a working Hubfeld Violina as shown in the video.  If you are in the area, a visit is highly recommended.  In addition to the Violina, you will see working examples of large theater and pipe organs.  Ask to hear the pipe organ play the theme from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark!'

If you can't visit - check-out the virtual tour (including music samples) at their web site.   

Interesting you should post this here.  While in Michigan last week, I visited the Stahl Automotive Foundation Museum in Chesterfield, Michigan.  http://www.stahlsauto.com/

In addition to a well-displayed collection of fine cars, the museum houses a collection of antique music machines.  Their holdings include a working Hubfeld Violina as shown in the video.  If you are in the area, a visit is highly recommended.  In addition to the Violina, you will see working examples of large theater and pipe organs.  Ask to hear the pipe organ play the theme from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark!'

If you can't visit - check-out the virtual tour (including music samples) at their web site.