I lived in S.F. from 1968 to 1988. The Cliff House has/had? a Mechanical
Museum, with several orchestrions, nickelodeons, and other coin operated
instruments. Along with the latest pinball and arcade games, assuming it
is still in operation. Also check out the Berkeley Community Theater.
They were in the process of restoring a theater organ, it should be
immense. There is also a chain called Pizza and Pipes. Check the phone
book.
Tilden Park in Berkeley used to have a band organ. Also at Great America
(near San Jose) is a merry-go-round. I can't remember if it had a band
organ, but you could call to find out. There is a merry go round in
Golden Gate Park at Children's Playground. The music is loud speaker
though, unless they have added.
San Francisco is a hub of AMICA. Automatic Music Instrument Collectors
of America, and puts out a very good publication. You can find phone
numbers of members who would be glad to recommend sites to visit.
Richard Moody.
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