Well, the obvious difference is the ability to play percussion parts
that vary from a constant drum roll. In most band music, most of the
time a drum roll is the exception rather than the rule, so ability
to strike only once permits a much more realistic playing style on the
snare. It seems a poor compromise that contributes to the distinctive,
but mechanical, sound of the Wurlitzer. Don't even get me started on
the crazy coupling of the cymbal and bass drum endemic to almost all
mechanical organ scales. It's clear that the designers of these scales
weren't percussionists or sympathetic to them.
Cheers,
Roger Wiegand
Wayland, Massachusetts, USA
http://www.carouselorgan.com/
[ The fishing lures displayed in the showcase aren't designed to
[ catch fish -- they're designed to catch the fisherman, and snag
[ his wallet! Similarly, band organs were designed to snag the
[ passersby at a festival. The musical attributes weren't very
[ important; the showman just wanted lots of sound. -- Robbie
|