Fair Organs have never been my area of expertise, however I believe
that the subject of restoration vs. recreation is a problem universal to
all antiques, even outside the realm of automatic musical instruments.

I have repeatedly been shocked by articles written to this group about
replacing pipes, adding MIDI and many other modifications to the
original instrument.  The common thread is that these letters almost
exclusively come from the organ enthusiasts, and moreover, it seems to
be a point of pride.

Call me old-fashioned, but I don't believe that we have the right to
make modifications to these instruments.  I can excuse a modification
that is reversible as long as it is documented.  In my opinion,
replacing pipes is justified only when the originals have been
destroyed beyond repair, and then they should be replaced with pipes
built to the original standards, original materials and original
methods.

In all endeavors, someone who wishes to take the trouble to make a new
instrument today has my utmost respect, and he has the right to make it
with the latest technology.  I like the old instruments because they
make beautiful music without the use of modern technology.  When I
demonstrate my musical boxes, I always draw a crowd.  If I were to show
off a CD player playing a music box disc, the sound may be good, but no
one is interested.

In the world of antique furniture, I have heard that an original
finish, even if crazed, is worth several times what the piece is valued
even with an expert refinishing job.  We need to stand together and
promote such ideals in the world of automatic music.

Eliyahu Shahar