Wurlitzer Style 32 Concert PianOrchestra
Philipps Pianella Model 32 (Caecilia)
(Gilson Collection, February, 2003)
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The reconstructed and beautifully refinished case for the Wurlitzer
Style 32 Concert PianOrchestra. Because the original art-glass panels
and beveled mirrors were long ago lost, new art-glass panels scaled
and patterned after an original catalogue illustration now adorn
the magnificent instrument.
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Detail of the mid-section on the left-hand side, showing the beautiful,
high-relief inset and newly gilded wood carvings.
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Detail of the mid-center section. The gilded wreath and garlands
are applied wood carvings, while the lower high-relief carving of
a floral representation is actually cut into the oak framework itself.
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This detail view of the lower center section illustrates the intricacy
of the high-relief inset carvings, which are cut into the oak panels,
instead of being just an application easily glued on to the cabinet's
surface.
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Steve Gonzales (on the ladder) hands the heavy top gallery down
to Mike Palmer. The top half of the case separates from the bottom
part, making it relatively easy to move the big machine. All of
the mechanical player mechanisms fasten to the bottom part of the
case.
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From left to right: Mike Palmer (assistant), Steve Gonzales and
John Gonzales are shown standing in front of the empty Concert PianOrchestra
case. John Gonzales, and his son, Steve, are both master cabinet
rebuilders and refinishers, who, along with Mike Palmer, their assistant,
made up the expert team who painstakingly restored the massive case
to its original look and feel. The elegant silver-grey
finish was very popular and commonly used on many of the large Wurlitzer
PianOrchestras.
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