Wurlitzer Style 32
Concert PianOrchestra
Philipps Pianella Model 32 (Cäecilia)
(Gilson Collection, February, 2003)

The newly rebuilt and refinished casework for the Wurlitzer Style 32 Concert PianOrchestra, February, 2003.

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.
Detail of the left center section, showing the gilded inset carvings.

Detail of the mid-section on the left-hand side, showing the beautiful, high-relief inset and newly gilded wood carvings.
Detail of the center section, showing the gilded inset and applied carvings.

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.
Detail of the lower center section, showing the gilded inset carving.

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.
Steve Gonzales inside the PianOrchestra handing down the top gallery to Mike Palmer, February, 2003.

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.
Left to right: Mike Palmer, Steve Gonzales and John Gonzales, standing in front of the PianOrchestra case - February, 2003.

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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