Hello all,  I visited Castle Amusement Park a year or two ago.  The
carousel has three(!) band organs and one extra facade.  In the center
there is a Wurlitzer 146-A organ (early style), in what appears to be
unrestored original condition.  Also in the center is an Artizan organ,
model unknown, with what must be a custom facade.  This organ appeared
to be in good operating condition (from the outside).  In a loft area,
facing the carousel, there is the facade for a large 36er(?) Ruth
organ, complete with figures and drums.  However, behind the facade,
there is a tiny Wurlitzer 105 organ, minus facade!  This organ appeared
to be in good operating condition.

Although at least two of the organs seemed to be in order, none of them
were being played, and recorded carousel music was used.  I asked one
of the people running the carousel why they didn't play the organs,
and they said something to the effect of, "We don't know how and Mr.
Hurlbut won't let us play them."  They also said the rest of the Ruth
organ was at Mr. Hurlbut's house.  If the organ was sold several years
ago, why was the facade still on the carousel?  Also, why are there any
organs at all on a carousel if they are not able to be played?

I first went to Knott's Berry Farm when I was only three or four, so
I don't remember much, except the Wurlitzer 153 was there and it sounded
nice!  I have photos showing me riding the carousel with this organ.
Unfortunately, by the time of my next visit several years later, this
organ was removed.  The Wurlitzer 157 has sat silent in its loft as long
as I can remember.  I wish someone would restore it.  The only access
to it is a long ladder running up the rear of the loft, with a tiny
door at the back.  This would be unsuitable for removing the organ, and
a crane would have to be used.  I hope that whoever gets hired to work
on the musical instruments next will choose to restore this organ and
place it in the center of the carousel where it belongs.

Sincerely,
Andrew Barrett