I recall a local theatre organ club article of decades ago stating
essentially that the beast was a mock-up of parts borrowed from a local
theatre organ enthusiast consisting of a console shell and keys which
the studio decorated, and a player stack. Pull wires were added to
strategic keys to make them appear to move like player piano keys,
conveniently ignoring the fact that the keys on electro-pneumatic
[organ] player mechanisms didn't move.
In other words, what you saw was a prop, a wonderfully decorated fake
that was fun to watch.
Ken Rosen, Chatsworth, Calif.
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