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In the years prior to the invention of the coin-operated record playing machine that we know as the "jukebox," music in restaurants, saloons and dance halls was made by mechanical means. There were a variety of these mechanical music producing machines. There were coin pianos, orchestrions and a variety of other mechanical music producing devices. These devices were collectively called nickelodeons. The Wurlitzer "Pianino" was one of these machines. From about the turn of the century, until the electric record playing machines came on the scene, the nickelodeons prevailed. During the period of nickelodeon popularity, almost every community had a drugstore, a saloon or a dance hall that boasted a "Pianino" or like music machine. Some shops would roll them out on the sidewalk in front of the store on a Saturday afternoon and evening for entertainment and as a cash source. The "Pianino" and like machines were popular through the war years of World War I, through the 1920s and into the early 1930's when the electronic, coin operated, record playing machines came on the scene. The advent and instant popularity of the new devices relegated the player type machines to museums, tourist attractions and into the hands of collectors. Many of these machines, sadly enough, were hauled to the dump and destroyed. The few that are left are well worth the time and money it takes to restore and maintain them to their former condition, not only for their monetary value but for their esthetic value as well. The children of today should have the opportunity to see and hear the results of the mechanical genius that went into the designs and construction of the musical wonders of our yester years. 
Now available is the most complete treatise about the restoration of the Wurlitzer Pianino mechanism. It was written by Robert J. Richards in 1996 and completely reformatted in 2025 by Catherine Houser. Below is a small sample of the difference between the original document and the reformatted document. To purchase the document, click here 
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Since "Player-Care" is an internet business, I prefer that we correspond via E-Mail (click here to fill out the 'Request Form'). However, if I'm not in the middle of some other activity, you can reach me at 732-840-8787. But please understand that during the hours from 8AM-5PM EST (Mon-Sat), I'm generally quite busy. So, I probably won't answer the phone. If you get the answering machine, please leave a detailed message stating the reason for your call. Also, repeat your name and phone number clearly and distinctly. By necessity, I prioritize everything in my life. And, if you call and just leave your name and number, and ask me to call you back, it might be a day or two before I return your call. Why? Because I don't know why you want me to call and I might not be prepared to assist you in an effective and efficient manner. If you leave me an E-Mail address (which I prefer), spell it out phonetically. The more you do to help me, the more I can help you in return. Don't rush. You have four minutes to record your message. |
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407 19th Ave, Brick, NJ, 08724 Phone Number 732-840-8787 (Voicemail Only, No Texts) |
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