From time to time I notice requests for street organ plans in the MMD,
so I thought I would report on this find.  Author Johan deVries has
written an excellent book, "Kistdraaiorgel" in which he details the
construction of a key-type street organ.  The plans can be configured to
a 36- or 38-key organ which uses cardboard book music.  The design is
simple and the technical drawings in the book are excellent.

The text of the book is entirely in Dutch and all measurements are
in metric units, but anyone with a calculator and some time can convert
the measurements.   With _a lot_ of time, you can learn to read Dutch!

Prior to buying a copy of the book, I talked with the publisher by phone
and the author by email.  In both "conversations" I was told that many
people had built the organ from the drawings and photos alone.  I believe
that if the builder has some experience with this kind of project then
building this street organ will be no trouble.

I have not begun construction of this instrument, so I can't tell you
what to expect.  Check back with me this time next year!

Johan deVries has a home page set up to give you a peek at the book.
You can check out his Web sight at:

    http://www.psy.vu.nl/homes/johan/orgels.html

By the way, the publisher can arrange to sell you a copy, but they are
not configured to accept credit cards, so don't waste a phone call trying
to order the book.  Mr. deVries said that he would like to have an
English edition published if he can find a good publisher -- any
suggestions?

On a slightly different note, I seem to be getting away from collecting
mechanical musical instruments, and most of my energy the last couple of
months has been in collecting plans for M.M. instruments.  If anybody
wants to help build my library of organ & orchestrion plans, please email
me!

Steve Matta
stevematta@mindspring.com