Introduction
By Marc Elbasani
Hi everybody, My name is Marc and I have recently developed a passion for band-organs. My main interest in these marvelous machines lies within the range of 42 to 66 keys. Anything over that becomes a little too orchestral, and that's not exactly how a band-organ should sound, in my opinion.
My favorite kind of pipes are Ruth and Bruder -- basically the German voices of the Black Forest district and Waldkirch. Right now there is a huge band-organ at the Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round which is quite literally receiving no care and is not running these days. I have tried to pull together a sort of radical movement through the MBSI, but all of my efforts seem to have been made in vain since nobody knows much about these fantastic instruments.
Seeing as how I cannot move the world into caring for these things, I have set my mind on a slightly different course. I have this crazy dream of replicating a band-organ similar to that of the "Elvira and Cordelia" organ of the Yates collection. However, everyone in the organization keeps on telling me to buy an antique one. That's all well and good for preservation purposes, but because of my highly selective nature, I just can't find anything out there that interests me.
I should also mention at this time that I am only 17 years of age and I have not the capital to save one of these machines. However, I have heard the many stories about how people stumble across a derelict organ who's owner cares not about what happens to it. Oh, what I wouldn't give for an opportunity like that. But then again, it's not about giving, in that case!
Although I cannot build or buy, I am trying to get all of the information I can about the organs converted by B.A.B. What the pipe placements were, how many ranks and pipes etc. I also want to record all of the dimensions for the Ruth and Bruder pipes. Information on pipe building would be something of a benefit as well. Basically, no amount of information is too small for me. Be it Ruth, Bruder, Artizan, or North Tonawanda, I am always ready to listen.
I hear that B.A.B. music is not appreciated greatly among collectors. Well, I think that music which was cut by J. Lawrence Cook is just fantastic. It really puts a band-organ to its full potential. And just because the music is a little more modern than Wurlitzer, that doesn't mean it isn't any good. Oh, and in case anyone needs it, Ed Openshaw will be recutting B.A.B. rolls in the near future. All he really needs is a market for the stuff. But first he has to complete a big organ restoration.
I feel that the art of band organs lies in the plans themselves. While these organs may not survive, the plans will always be available to the craftsman of tomorrow. I know it is asking a lot, but those of you who have a band organ might consider making detailed plans similar to those of Robert Stanozek. Of course, it would be highly inconvenient of you to do so when the organ is in perfect condition. But when the time comes for a full restoration, why not record the data necessary for replication?
Marc D. Elbasani
[ Hi, Marc, glad you joined us here. When we spoke by telephone you
[ expressed your dismay over the sad condition of the band organ in
[ Tilden Park. The city of Seattle successfully raised funds to
[ restore their Looff carousel and the companion Ruth organ. Perhaps
[ our members can tell you of other successful civic restorations,
[ and how you might get the attention of the city fathers! Good luck
[ in your endeavors. -- Robbie
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(Message sent Fri 7 Mar 1997, 06:14:51 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.) |
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