In response to Mr. Bill Finch, believe me, a live band organ behind
glass with controlled sound is much better than having recordings
played through a sound system.  I operated a merry-go-round at
Rotary Playland in Fresno, California, for seven years before
moving to Las Vegas, Nevada.

I personally purchased a very good sound system for the ride,
playing many of my band organ recordings on CD that I have purchased
from several dealers, most notably Dr. Bill Black and his Carrousel
Music web site.  Guests who remember hearing live band organs said
the sound was the best they ever heard next to the real thing, but
it was not the same.

People watching the Wurlitzer 165 play behind the glass alcove
enclosure at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are still fascinated by
watching it operate, and are captivated by the beauty of the facade
and art of the 1920s.

Having a live band organ behind glass (sadly) -- thanks to the
lawmakers in California and having it play through a sound system --
is better than playing recordings through the same sound system.
Give thanks to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, for keeping tradition
going with it's merry-go-round despite the setback of having their
organs behind glass enclosures.

John Kavanagh
Las Vegas, Nevada