A question to the USA readers of this Digest: In Europe, mechanical
organs ("Band Organs" in USA) are generally operated by music books,
being either Keyed or Keyless. The keyless ones are usually read by wind
pressure driving a relay valve. The keyed one use traditional Gavioli or
Mortier style keys: long tails with horizontal comb; Mareghi style:
short tails with vertical comb or centre pivoted keys. They are all
based on the original Gavioli type.
In the States I believe most of your instruments that were made there or
imported from France play Wurlitzer style rolls. Are there any
instruments still playing with proper keyed keyframes?
I supply various key types to the UK organ restorers.
Tim Blyth - organ restorer
South Devon, England, UK
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