Bruce Newman asked for thoughts concerning the expansion of his newly
acquired Duo-Art Pipe Organ player.  I'd like to throw in a few
thoughts for consideration.

If there is not much left from the original installation of the organ,
there doesn't seem to be much incentive to restore the instrument to
its original condition, unless it is of historical significance.  To
throw out the three player pouch boards, though, just because there is
something new and different on the market, seems to be a waste of time
and money.  The leather used on these boards will probably be in
pristine condition, and quite usable.

The next question to be asked is what type of music will be played?
Is there a collection of D-A organ rolls coming with the instrument?
And their condition?

If a collection of rolls exist with the organ, then I would certainly
want to try to keep the original instrumentation close to Aeolian
specs, although the size of the organ determined the type of sound
produced by the rolls.  If I remember correctly, rolls were produced
with a specific installation in mind, and if played on a different
instrument they might sound a bit different.

If Bruce is interested in playing theatre organ music of today that was
not in vogue seventy years ago, then it would not especially matter if
the registration differed greatly from the original.  A computer could
drive any pipe organ of any size with great ease and flexibility.  But
then, why have a player?

I believe that I have heard of D-A subscription pipe organ roll cutting
projects in the past.  I don't know if there is anything going on at
present.

Hope this gives some food for thought.

Best wishes,

Mike Walter