Automatic musical instruments are instruments that reached their zenith in the early 1900s. They automatically played a variety of musical instruments based on information stored on "music rolls," which were paper rolls perforated with holes, or "paper discs," which were circular pieces of cardboard perforated with holes. Early automatic instruments were limited to playing organs, etc., but gradually became capable of handling multiple instruments, and the complexity of the music played increased, as did the playing time.

The U.S. mail-order website Hammacher Schlemmer sells a modern version of an automatic musical instrument called the "Hootenanny. The "Hootenanny" is a modern-day version of a self-playing instrument that can be installed in a room to create a 1900s atmosphere at home parties and other events.

The "Hootenanny" is an automatic musical instrument that incorporates 17 instruments. All the instruments are beautifully displayed in a handcrafted oak cabinet, and you can enjoy not only playing them, but also their movements.


Hootenanny" can store 13,000 digital music tracks. The stored songs can be selected on the 15-inch touch screen.

The rhythm section of "Hootenanny" is provided by a bass and snare drum. This is complemented by 12 percussion instruments. Percussion includes bongos, agogos, wood blocks, tambourines, maracas, cowbells, and several types of cymbals.

Melody and harmony are provided by guitars and banjos. Because of this configuration, the band specializes in big band, rock, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and other musical genres.

It measures 2 meters high x 1.2 meters wide x 0.64 meters deep and weighs 125 kg. The price is $54,000 (5.88 million yen). The client is asked to contact Hammacher Schlemmer for information on whether or not it can be sent to Japan and, if so, the shipping costs.