I am surprised that last Friday's request for the names of people
making facades and ornamental pieces for music machines got no response
other than Robbie's editorial addition to the request. I think there
are two basic routes to go here: a carved piece or a cast piece.
As Robbie mentioned, Tom Grace <trgracefx@aol.com> is a source for cast
band organ facades, having produced complete replica Wurlitzer 157
facades. The Stinson Band Organ Company is another that is able to
produce custom-cast pieces, providing such jobs can be worked into
their production schedule. Contact <Sales@StinsonBandOrgans.com>.
Someone at a recent band organ rally (I believe it was Paul Dyer
<pauldyer@juno.com>, of Fortville, Indiana) had an extra copy of a
cast Wurlitzer 153 facade for sale. Marvin Sylvor's company, Fabricon
Carousel Company (http://www.fabriconny.com/), has had considerable
experience casting decorative carousel pieces, both large and small.
Cabinetmaker Steve Lanick, Pittsburgh, Pa., has carved a replica
Wurlitzer 165 facade, although I am not sure that he is now of the age
where he would want to make another such elaborate item. California
carousel carver Ed Roth is quite capable of carving a facade, as are
probably a number of other skilled carvers.
At least two Americans have looked to Europe to have facades carved
for them. One is Bill Harris <info@royalbell.com> of Denver, Colo.,
the other is, I believe, Terry Haughawout <tbhowout@wcnet.org> of
Bloomdale, Ohio. Both Bill and Terry were very pleased with the work
done for them by their respective carvers.
Johnny Verbeeck <johnny.verbeeck@pandora.be> advertises the making of
custom-designed organ fronts, although I don't know whether these are
carved or cast. I am sure there are many other sources, if anyone
cares to expand this brief list.
Matthew Caulfield (Irondequoit, N.Y.)
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