[ Bette coordinates the operation and continuing restoration
 [ of the lovely Looff carousel and Ruth band organ at "Carousel
 [ in the Park", Spokane, Washington.  -- Robbie

 [ Please reply both to sender and to the MMD.   -- Jody

All of the folks at MMDigest were so helpful with information this
past winter when we were dealing with our restoration questions on
our Ruth Band Organ #36.  As many of you know, it was converted to
B.A.B. duplex rolls in the l930's (exact date unknown).

We now have a marvelous sounding, well-tuned machine with one big
dilemma: the tracker bars (87 holes) need to be replaced, as well as
the rolls.  Until such a time that we can find replacements, it has
been suggested that we install the new technology, Midi files.

Now, I know this is not historically correct, but we have to deal
with realities in that this organ needs to entertain over 200 thousand
riders and millions of visitors to Spokane.  What I need is honest and
diverse opinions and sources.

I know your readers can help me out.  I have generations of children
who have never heard a band organ, I want them to love the sound as
I do.  I also need to deal with the labor costs of operating the organ.

Thanks again for all your help!

Bette Largent
blargent@gowebway.com
http://members.tripod.com/~blargent/index.html

 [ A 75-key Welte Style #4 Concert Orchestrion has been operating
 [ quite reliably under MIDI control, every day for over one year,
 [ at Disneyland, Anaheim CA.  Jody visited the park recently and
 [ heard it in the Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street.   -- Robbie