WORKING DESCRIPTION:
This nickelodeon is working. It was just rebuilt by a local player piano expert who has been working on and restoring player pianos for over 30 years. It's electronically and physically in tip top shape.
The piano is in good tune and every key / note appears to be working. There is a volume control (which controls how much vacuum is created), and a speed control. Both of these adjustments work perfectly.
The player piano can either be turned on with a on/off switch, or you can drop a quarter in it to start a song. Coin operation works most of the time. It takes quarters, and usually plays one song per quarter. Occasionally, the quarter drops through without starting a song. Not sure why but probably could be made to work every time if you looked closely at it and figured out the occasional glitch.
The roll automatically re-rolls and starts again with the first song when it reaches the last song on the roll. Takes type O rolls, which seem to have between 10 and 15 songs per roll for the most part. All of the instruments appear to be working. This nickelodeon has a full piano keyboard, a xylophone, a wood block, a couple of drums, a cymbal, and a tambourine,
Words and pictures can NOT do this thing justice. Even the movie falls short. You have to see and hear this thing in person to believe how amazing it sounds.
Here is a movie showing the piano working:
https://youtu.be/vMBTnNT8tm0
CONDITION and RATINGS for THIS SPECIFIC MACHINE:
Physically it is in very good condition. There are a couple of cracks in one of the glass panes in the bottom door/window, but it has been covered with clear plexiglass and is very solid and shouldn't get any worse. It is really unnoticeable unless you examine it closely.
The finish on the piano is very good. Not completely flawless, but looks great and no flaws that jump out at you. I believe the keys are real ivory.
From what I understand, Ragtimewest takes very high quality old pianos, and then modifies them by adding a bunch of instruments and turns them into player pianos. This is an extremely difficult and time-consuming process. And extremely expensive as well. They do very good work.
If you need any more pictures or have any questions, please let me know - I'm happy to answer.
NOTE:
Unlike some other sellers on eBay, the game I am selling is the actual game pictured and described above. Somehow, other sellers seem to think a single stock photo from google and a generic description like "great condition, but may have some scratches and blemishes" is good enough. They have some beat up junker in the warehouse and don't even get it ready to sell until it sells.
Not here at VintageVideogames.Arcadia. We don't list the game until it is completely through the restoration/refurbishment and is ready to ship out. And we take pictures of the exact game that we are selling. We want you to know exactly what you are buying.
LOCATION:
This game is located in sunny, beautiful downtown McLean, IL 61754. That's right...in the heart of Classic Arcade World where Arcadia: America's Playable Arcade Museum, Pinball Paradise, and Hotel Arcadia are located! I suggest buying this game and then making its pickup a fun family road trip! We have over 140 playable games and luxurious arcade-themed lodging options. Contact me for more details or look for hotel Arcadia on airbnb.
SHIPPING:
Included in the price is FREE WHITE GLOVE SHIPPING from North American Van Lines. They will bring it right inside your house (ground floor only). This is for the 48 contiguous United States only. If you want this shipped internationally, it will cost extra and we will have to discuss it and get a shipping quote before you pull the trigger.
Regarding shipping time, North American Van Lines only picks up from my location once a week. So shipping will probably take between 7 and 14 days depending on where you are in the country. In some rare cases possibly longer.
For what it's worth, I have been collecting (hoarding) games for over 30 years and selling them on eBay since about 1997. I have probably shipped two thousand games (many but not all on eBay), from individual games to full containers. You won't find a more reputable seller...check my feedback. Unfortunately, I cannot provide a money-back guarantee on this just because a lot can happen in shipping. What I CAN guarantee is that if you pick the game up, or if not when the game leaves my hands, it will be exactly as described and photoed above. And in 30 years of selling, I have never left anyone in the lurch or ripped anyone off. I'm a fair, honest guy...ask anyone.