May I congratulate Richard Vance on his 1st rate photographic record
and descriptions of his rebuilding of his Model W Orchestrelle.  A few
weeks ago I was offered a non-working Model W ("Grecian style", like
Richard's, but in an oak case) and agreed (for the relatively small
amount asked) to purchase this monster that now resides in my dining
room.

Yesterday it arrived, and with the help of Richard's detailed photos
and diagrams I was able to see what was what.  The pressure was so-so,
the thing clanked when pedalled and you could get only a few notes on
manual play.

The wife was none too pleased with my gargantuan new acquisition, and
thought it'd take weeks to get playing and would have to come apart
into pieces, etc., etc.  Have women no faith in us men!?

I told her I'd have it playing in no time at all. ... Well, you have to
tell these little lies from time to time, don't you!  Anyhow I sent her
out to the shops with my wallet.

One vacuum cleaner full of dust later, and after clipping back a few
flat hooks (which some twit had left off the spoolbox), I had it playing
from the roll again.  I cured the clanking (a wonky 'V' spring) and
found a few 58-note rolls lurking under the stairs.

When the missus came back it was playing fine, and my dear wife was
just a little nonplussed at not being able to say, "Still broken, huh?"
Most importantly, however, as only men will appreciate, I was able to
say, "See, I told you I could get it working!"

If it wasn't for Richard's clear cross-sectional diagram of the action
I'd have never taken on the instrument at all.  I can recommend the
plans and texts to anyone most heartily.

There is really so very very little accumulated knowledge on
Orchestrelles, or indeed any player organs, compared to player pianos.
Richard's "on-line" work has filled a very definite gap.  It would
be beneficial if others might describe some of the other systems
(Symphony, Phoneon, Orpheus, etc.) with perhaps a photo even of the
inner components.  The descriptions needn't be of restorations like
Richard's -- just the basics so there is something in the MMD archive.
This way folk encountering one will be more likely to know what's what.

Organ playing is quite different from piano playing and many player
piano enthusiasts have no time for player organs.  Many pianists also
have no time for organs, as the playing technique is somewhat different:
notes have to be held down for the required duration and there is no
sustain pedal.  As a pianist I know this fact very well.  I have also
learnt to play the pipe organ and reed organ (there is a very slight
difference in technique employed even between these two).

Pianists and piano fans: you are missing out -- re-assess the organ
and your enjoyment of music will increase tenfold.  There is whole new
unique repertoire to explore.

Richard's efforts have ensured that another instrument has been saved,
got playing again, and has also added to my continuing marital harmony
(an unintended and unexpected side-effect, no doubt!).

Yours sincerely

Adam Ramet