Having recently acquired my first organette, a Celestina, I decided
to buy "The Organette Book" by Kevin McElhone. My purchase was made
through MBSGB, in advance of publication, so it was 'a bit of a risk'.
But, I have to say, it is one of the best book investments I have made.
Having previously been interested only in music boxes ( which tend to
be a bit pricey for me -- I've managed 3 in my 5 years of collecting),
I never realised there was such a variety of organettes. The Organette
Book has thus inspired a new direction for my mechanical music
interests, partly because organettes can be had relatively
inexpensively, as far as I can tell. My first and second examples
being less than GBP 500, compared to twice this for a decent music box.
The other fascinating thing about organettes is that you can actually
make your own music, in most cases, with some patience, or mechanical
(and electronic) aptitude. Also, if you can find one in a poor state,
and cheap, they are relatively easy to restore.
So, to anyone who is getting bored with huge complicated player pianos,
or expensive music boxes: buy this book and learn !!
Regards
John Farmer
UK
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