Popper Orchestrion Music Roll Spool Flanges

Popper orchestrions use a punched paper roll to robotically play piano, organ, drums, xylophone and numerous other musical instruments. They were made by Popper an Co. in Leipzig in the early 1900s. Spool flanges for the rolls are typically made of wood and sometimes break apart. This design allow new ones to be printed so the music rolls may be played without damage.

The design is in three models. I printed the parts in ABS plastic. PLA should also print well.

Popper Orchestrion Spool Flange ver3 is the flange itself. The same for both ends. Print two of these with the flat side on the build plate to get the smoothest surface against the roll. 

Popper Orchestrion Spool Driving Arbor ver2 is the arbor that goes through the hole in the flange to complete the flange assembly in the drive side. Print this with the larger round diameter flat against the build plate. Glue in place.

Popper Orchestrion Spool Free Arbor ver2 is the arbor that goes through the hole in the flange to complete the flange assembly in the freely spinning side. Print this with the larger round diameter flat against the build plate. Glue in place.

After assembly, 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 can thread itself into the plastic.

Best wishes on enjoying your mechanical music instrument. For information on music boxes, nickelodeons, player pianos, orchestrions and player organs check out www.mbsi.org. Its a great organization to join to get help restoring and enjoying these old musical robots.