1996 Weber Maestro Orchestrion

The Weber Maestro is widely considered the crown jewel and most outstanding example of mechanical orchestrions ever built. Originally manufactured by the Gebrüder Weber (Weber Brothers) company in Waldkirch, Germany during the 1920s, it represents the absolute pinnacle of electro-pneumatic automated music. It was specifically engineered late in the golden era of mechanical music to replicate a human orchestra as closely as possible. Advertised by Weber in the 1920s as an "unequalled concert orchestra, dance, and jazz band," the Maesto utilized advanced electro-pneumatic systems to masterfully emulate a 30-piece live ensemble. It accomplishes this through an immense and diverse array of integrated instrumentation which includes a premium Feurich piano, an extensive multi-note complete xylophone, custom banjo effect, Violin, violoncello, flutes, clarinet, trumpets, saxophones, jazz trumpets, a rare specialty "lotus flute" (slide flute), a complete trap line including a bass drum, snare drum, cymbals, tambourine, triangle, castanets, and woodblock. To maximize expression, the clarinet pipes are enclosed inside their own distinct inner chamber. Working in tandem with automated swell shades, it allows the machine to achieve unprecedent