[ Rich Broeker wrote in 060401 MMDigest:

> Does anyone know where I can get some instructions and plans to build
> a reed box much like Wicks used on small pipe organs to conserve space
> for a 16' pedal stop?  I would like to add one to a small MIDI band
> organ -- even at 8' pitch.

This is a great idea.  I've thought about it as a way to get good bass
on a small crank organ.  A few thoughts, good and bad, just my opinions:

- Accordion left sides would be a good source of low bass reeds,
or you could contact an accordion repair shop for new or used ones.
16' reeds aren't all that large.

- Reeds are pretty slow on the attack, especially in the bass, so
you probably want to add 8' and even 4' octave helpers in unison with
the 16' set.  Maybe add register slides to cut off the 4' during soft
passages.

- Free reeds usually operate at much lower wind pressures than pipes,
1" up to maybe 4", versus 6" and up for band organ pipes.  You may want
a secondary regulator bellows to feed the reed stack.

Good luck and let us know how this works out.

Mike Knudsen