Yes, the Wurlitzer 157 was/is installed above the entrance to the
carousel arena. When I was there (+/- 2 years ago) the band organ in
the center of the carousel was not there. The 157 sat very tired and
unplayable. It also looked to be very weathered.
A Cremona flute/piano was somewhat playing in the ice cream parlor near
the entrance. It was obvious that at one time this had been a neat
machine. It is still a magnificent machine, but where $$ count, it
will likely not be restored (nor will the other machines in Knott's
Berry Farm). I hope I am wrong.
By the way, during a recent visit to Disneyland, none of the few
remaining machines seemed operable. The beautiful Welte Cottage
orchestrion had chunks of flexaust plumbed through the wall (presumably
to a blower) which might indicate the original pump does not work.
This is so sad. At one time (1955-1965), Disneyland had a marvelous
"hands-on" collection including a Wurlitzer LX (or was it a CX?),
PianOrchestra, the Welte, and gobs of other machines and cabinet
pianos. Generations have now gone by not knowing such magnificent
music machines ever existed.
Tom DeLay
Salinas, CA
[ The original pump is still installed but, because of the expense,
[ Disneyland elected to not rebuild the bellows pump in the Welte
[ orchestrion when the instrument was rebuilt a few years ago.
[ A German-made turbine blower now provides wind. Many other
[ instruments previously displayed were shipped to Disney World,
[ Florida, and/or sold. Fewer and fewer guests, who visits Knott's
[ Berry Farm and Disneyland, show interest in old-fashioned things,
[ so the cost-conscious managers divert maintenance money elsewhere.
[ 'Tis sad. -- Robbie
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