Whilst the Photoplayer was able to supply music for the small picture houses of the 'teens, the much larger 'movie palaces' of the 1920s demanded a much larger, grander instrument.
The Photoplayer was essentially a Player Piano which was augmented with various organ pipes, percussion instruments and other sound effects, and provided the effect of a small orchestra under the control of one person.
The museum's 'Fotoplayer - Model 20' (trade name!) was fitted with two spoolboxes so that whilst one spoolbox was providing the music for the current scene, the second spoolbox could be rewinding, ready to be fitted with music of a different nature ready for the change of scene. The music rolls, specially produced, were labelled with such helpful descriptions as 'light comedy', 'turmoil' or 'dramatic response'!
This Fotoplayer is one of only three left in existence, one other is in regular use at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia.
This Fotoplayer is one of only three left in existence, one other is in regular use at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia.
