Several list members have asked to hear how our Smith organs sound,
and we have now put RealAudio files, arrangements courtesy of Melvyn
Wright, up at our site, http://www.floraco.com/organs.  You'll need
the RealAudio player to hear them, which is free and available from
a link on our download page.

We have had the Bob Essex MIDI-controlled punch plans for a while,
and Charlie Randazzo's success with it has inspired us to get going
on the project.  Along the way, with Charlie's help, we have found
several suppliers for some elusive parts required for the punch.

The motors for the punch are controlled by a special controller chip,
which is available from www.debco.com among others.  A search on the
part number from the plans will yield several suppliers, with prices
ranging from $16/chip to $6.50/chip.  The chip is also used in several
telescope positioning devices used by amateur astronomers.

A good source for transformers and stepper motors is www.jameco.com.
They also have a free print catalog.  The Essex punch plans are
available from Bob at http://members.aol.com/midpunch/

I'll be glad to answer questions by email from anyone who owns the
plans but has been intimidated by the project, and many thanks to
Charlie Randazzo and Bob Essex for their patience with my tyro
questions.  And, of course, kudos to John Smith for letting so many
people make their own music.

Brian Flora
Organ Builder
http://www.floraco.com/organs