I recently acquired an early Wurlitzer 165 Band Organ conversion from
an original Bruder.  This organ has brass trumpets plus most other
pipe ranks of a Wurlitzer 165, including original duplex tracker frame,
pumps, and transmission.  The organ is being restored to replicate most
of the instrumentation of a Wurlitzer 166 band organ, none of which are
known to survive, which contained brass trumpets.

As the organ had no facade, I have arranged with Robert Yorburg, of
Yorktown Heights, New York, a known and respected carver, replica
builder and modeler, to construct an exact replica of a Wurlitzer 165
facade to grace the front of the organ.  The facade will be slightly
extended from the front of the case, with the brass trumpets directly
behind the swell shutters.  While purists might find that arrangement
somewhat odd, I have always admired the 165 facade and since the
instrumentation is predominantly 165, I believe it is appropriate.

Two of the owners of the few remaining original Wurlitzer 165s have
graciously allowed us to use their facade as a model, so the hand
carved replica should mimic the original in every detail.  The organ
restoration and facade should be completed around the end of 2007.

A few other organ owners have expressed interest in participating
in this project, either for a full 165 facade, parts of a facade, or
certain variations.  Based on simple economies of scale, and to make
this potentially one time opportunity available to others, I encourage
anyone who might be interested in a facade, parts of a facade, or any
aspect of this project to contact me.

The historical basis of the organ, its restoration, construction of a
replica facade, and the ultimate conclusion should make an interesting
journal article in text, pictures, and sound.  I hope to make it
available at the projects conclusion.

Glenn Thomas
Princeton, New Jersey, USA
thomasgs@earthlink.net