Hi there MMD'rs and Art Thompson.  I have been following the articles
about the continued trouble with the Johnson band organ at the Salem
Riverfront Carousel.

It does sound like from your post that the organ may have some definite
design trouble in its operational systems.  I also cannot believe that
Johnson Organ Company has not stepped in to help correct the problems
with their instrument.  Their reputation is at stake here as this is
just not working out.  Being an organ builder myself and having restored
instruments that are in commercial operation, I would think they would
be wanting to help.

Have you considered adding another rank of a different type to the
melody section and just turning off the Brass Trumpets?  These are very
loud even when they are soft!  Perhaps adding some flues and Violins to
the melody, or a different reed with a wooden resonator such as a Wood
Trumpet or Baritone.

As for the other problems with valves, roll motors and suction boxes,
in commercial 12-hour per day operation this just does not work.  I
would have used a MIDI control system with electric action on the wind
chest; this will run all day and night for years without any service
nightmares.

Wurlitzer 165 music and other arrangements are plentiful these days.
This type of system can still be added to the organ and will solve the
problems you are having.  MIDI is really the only way to go when it
must run unattended all day.

Feel free to email with any particular questions I can help with.

Thomas Grace
Chino, California