Try as I may to resist, I have to add a comment to this. I agree with
Bill Finch. I've never heard a Stinson instrument that was assaultive
to my hearing. And this machine doesn't look like it's one of the
biggest in the Stinson line, either. Wurlitzer in its catalogs
reminded carousel operators that it's the park patrons (and the revenue
they bring) that the music is intended for, and not the employees.
I've personally observed at least three cases where a 'saved' community-
owned carousel operation of this type has gone to the expense of having
authentic music, only to have teenage employees become hostile to the
organ. Commercial amusement parks don't tolerate employees' objections
(or "adjustments") to equipment that enhances the pleasure of their
patrons.
These kids who complain about excessive 'loudness' will get off work
and attend rock concerts with decibel levels that would shake the
horses right off a carousel. The issue is more likely that 'Blue Skirt
Waltz' isn't in the top 40. Not anymore, anyway. I doubt that any
amount of swell shutters, Plexiglas, sound insulation or cinder block
would change their attitudes toward the instrument.
Organs, however sturdily built (even with MIDI) have been known to have
a way of becoming 'out of order' around such employees. Pipes that
normally blow out suddenly develop the odd capacity to attract bunches
of napkins into themselves.
I agree that prospective hires should spend an hour in the pavilion
and consent to the musical atmosphere or consider another line of work.
After all the effort and expense of restoring such an attraction,
denying the organ music to the many to accommodate the disaffected few
indicates a skewed priority. I think anyone visiting a 'fully
functioning' carousel operation will agree that the organ music is what
brings it all together. A beautiful carousel rumbling around to
silence...well, it's just not right.
Finally, do people remember the original huge Artizan organ that was at
the Ontario Beach carousel? I think it was sold to Jim Wells many years
ago. I'll bet it was a lot louder than that Stinson.
Bill Luca
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