Bill Finch wrote, and Robbie questioned:

> With these thoughts I have two questions:
>
> 1.  Has anyone already built an organ with these design features?
>
> 2.  Who knows of a good source for modern organ hardware?
>
> This is such an obvious idea that I am surely not the first to think of
> it.  Please share your thoughts on this subject.
>
> Bill Finch
>
> [ What is direct electric action?  Why is it desirable?  Isn't it
> [ slower than direct mechanical ('tracker') action?  Slow valves are
> [ okay for a Wurlitzer theater organ, but for the fast repetition
> [ needed for French organ music I don't know of anything faster than
> [ a pinned barrel !   -- Robbie

I have built acoustical assemblages (modern art gallery pieces) using
Reisner direct electric valves, both as pipe valves (pressure) as well
as a vacuum valve signal from Midi control for a player stack.  They are
reliable, and to this day, after 20+ years of hard service in public
museums, they still function like new.

These simply take a micro-electronic signal (like from a Midi unit) and
convert it to a valve action to operate a pipe, or pneumatic -- hence the
name "direct electric".  The speed and repetition are greater than even
an Ampico B system finely rebuilt and regulated, and are not subject to
loss of signal (within electronic reason) at any distance.  The
repetition speeds possible leave pinned cylinders at the starting gate.

The idea of creating new band organs, orchestrions, et al, with modern
technology is intriguing and welcomed.  From my perspective,  it is the
sound and the music that I am after,  not the antique element nor
"investment" potential many collectors seek.  So, if new pipes,
percussion and pianos could be constructed with the same tonal qualities
and balanced within an instrument as their predecessors,  a worthy
instrument(s) could be constructed.

And as the Robert Morton Organ Co. discovered at the close of the
"acoustic era" (1928) with their "V'Oleon" ( a remarkable violin-
imitative instrument that used many coiled springs pushed against a
rotating cone of rosin),  *new* acoustical instruments might even be
utilized!  With the advantage of CAD [computer aided design],  imagine a
wind-tunnel design of the ultimate violin-imitative pipe!  Theoretically,
violin pipes could be made that were even of higher quality than those
used in the Philipps Paganini!

I am planning such an instrument to play the Wurlitzer Mandolin Pian-
Orchestra roll scale, a scale that was never fully utilized by either
Philipps (PM roll) nor Wurlitzer with their standard, commercial
arrangements.  It can control up to six pipe ranks,  independent
percussion, plus separate bells and xylophone on/off, more degrees of
expression than an "O" roll, and with its 61-note playing scale,  can
play even a standard pipe organ!

As an arranger,  I encourage the use of new scales,  plus the continual
development of traditional ones.  Midi is ideal for this- independent
pipe rank control that would in the old days been next to unfeasible-
requiring an unrealistic 200+ hole roll.  The orchestrion builder is
limited only by their imaginations as far as instrumentation and scale,
or music style goes.

As a collector,  I feel Midi systems are NOT appropriate on original
machines where a sizable roll library has been built, or has the
possibility of being acquired.  Better to use Midi to cut paper rolls
in an instrument's original scale, and use the paper.

But where a new instrument is concerned (not a replica),  or an instru-
ment that has fewer than a dozen rolls known for it,  or the owner has
very few rolls,  unobtrusive Midi installation is the solution.  I don't
know of a single case where the installation of a Midi system in an old
machine has caused the value to lessen.  If anything,  it enhances it due
to the greater variety of music made available.

Using music sequencer programs like Cakewalk to edit Midi files is on
the same order as an amateur doing their own restoration.  You get the
sum total of your own knowledge and skills as the end result.  For truly
professional results,  seek out a competent professional-  that's why
they charge the rates they do.  You get what you pay for.

Try Organ Supplies Industries, Erie, PA for supplies.  They are but one
of a few organ supply houses around the world.  They sell quality
products at reasonable rates.

Best of Luck with Your Projects,

S. K. Goodman