Bill Masterman wrote that Wurlitzer 146 reeds speak properly when tuned
to A=435 and "throw more fits" when tuned to A=440.

My experience in tuning quite a few Wurlitzer 146 band organs is that
some organs' reed speaking properties are quite sensitive to tuning
pitch and also temperature variations.  Some reed ranks seem to speak
predictably no matter what you throw at them.

Reeds that squawk and bleat (rather than a proper Wurlitzer "honk")
can usually be convinced to speak clearly by complete disassembly and
reassembly.  Improper speech in these reeds is usually caused by
mechanical tolerances being "out of spec".  Look for signs of metal
corrosion or wood swelling.  Look for signs of unwanted contact with
the reed itself.  Run a piece of paper between the foot of the tuning
rod and its contact point with the reed to clean out any debris.  Very
light application of an extra fine file to the reed edges sometimes
help.

A home made voicing table can help.  There are quite a few ways to
build one.  A surplus squirrel cage or turbine blower and a Powerstat
[variable transformer] can provide the wind.  A home made U-tube
manometer can measure the wind pressure.  An air bleed can make fine
adjustments.  You don't really need pressure regulation if you can vary
and measure the pressure.

If you have access to a voicing table, adjust the reed so that it will
speak over the widest range of wind pressures with the mid point at the
wind pressure for your organ.  This is usually a trial and error sort
of thing.  The reed will respond to seemingly minor mechanical
adjustments.  Reeds that speak over the widest range of pressures will
also be the least sensitive to tuning (and other) variations.

Don't be afraid to try these things.  You will generally be satisfied
with the result.

Bill Finch