I bought a pre-1900 harmonium made by Alexander & Pils, pressure
operated, with hammers that hit the reeds on one stop (Percussion
Flute).  This gives a very different envelope to the tone.

While working on sticking keys I found a coin the size of a nickel.
It is from India.  But the odd thing that happened is that it somehow
got into my pocket, and from there into the parking meter.   I called
the Seattle office and told them of the incident.  Would you believe
they returned the coin!

A long delayed project is to work on the warped keys of the Alexander
and Pils harmonium.  Several keys are twisted making the instrument
unplayable.  However when the weather gets good and damp, they improve
but not enough to make it useful. Any suggestions on this problem would
be welcome.  One thought is to replace the bad keys using piano keys
that have been modified to fit.  A second thought is to route down the
sides of the keys and rivet or bolt down aluminum strips along both
sides of the key.

For those who aren't aware of harmoniums, they made quite a splash
in the century before last.  The stops became somewhat standardized.
Vierne wrote 12 pieces specifically for the harmonium as well as
numerous other compositions.  A revival of the instrument has occurred.
There are several CDs out some of which are very lively and musical.

Bill Chapman