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MMD > Archives > January 2001 > 2001.01.11 > 03Prev  Next


Knott's Berry Farm & Disneyland Instruments
By Tom DeLay

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


(Message sent Thu 11 Jan 2001, 06:35:00 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Berry, Disneyland, Farm, Instruments, Knott's

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