I've just had the privilege of viewing Craig Brougher's video of SofI,
the "Spirit of Independence (SofI)" orchestrion.  This video is a must
for anyone thinking of building an orchestrion, and it goes very well
with Craig's "Orchestrion Builder's Manual".

The video is not Hollywood perfect, but then I've bought other
supposedly professional videos that were not up to the quality of this
tape, and I had to pay more.  Craig took great pains on the recordings,
which comes through quite well.  Our VCR is tied into our tuner, and
four home speakers.  It's an excellent concert.  After the holidays
I plan on having a small get-together, so that some of my friends can
come to hear it.

SofI has excellent dynamic range, and everything is so crisp.  George
Bogatko's arrangements are excellent, showing off SofI's many musical
qualities.  My mother-in-law asked if mine would sound as good.  I told
her only in my dreams.  Can you guess I'm impressed?  Someday I'd love
to see it in person; I'm sure the special effects would be better up
close and personal.

I had not seen clear swell doors since the Roaring Twenties Restaurant
was open in Okemos MI, on their pipe organ.  They are very effective,
as is the painted interior.  It makes viewing the interior much easier.
Craig mentions during the tape that we'll enjoy the tape better than
staring at our stereo -- he is quite right.

Through the video I was able to see some of Craig's designs. In the
orchestrion book some concepts were hard for me to grasp in print --
now I have a visual aid.  It really helped me with the crash cymbal.
You can see very clearly how it works.

Okay Craig, I'm ready for the sequel, of SofI's innards.

Dave Brown