I have sent to the MMD Gallery a couple of photos of the new David
Leach organ which I recently purchased.  David is one the prime
builders of mechanical organs in the UK.  He has been building fair
and band organs and residential mechanical organs since 1977.  Not only
is he a master craftsman but he is a superb arranger of music for his
organs.

The organ that I purchased from David is his Bellini model.  The organ
has the following pipes giving a range of 61 notes:

 (1) 53 notes of wooden Harmonika from G 5-1/3' pitch.
 (2) 49 notes of Wald Flute / Vienna Flute from G 2-2/3' pitch.
 (3) 49 notes of pewter Salicional / Dulciana from G 2-2/3' pitch.
 (4) 18 Notes of Stopped Basses from 8 foot C.
 (5) 11 Notes of bass Cello from G 5-1/3' pitch.

Total pipes = 180.  Additionally there is a triangle and a cymbal.

The organ is MIDI-controlled on four channels using a separate solenoid
for each pipe.  The pressure is provided by an integral blower operating
at about 1-3/4 inches of water pressure.  Without a case the organ
stands about 81" high with a footprint about 21" deep by 42" wide.

The organ, I would say, sounds very much like a 19th century Welte or
Imhoff.  Quietly voiced but with a good dynamic range, it is very well
suited for the light classical repertoire of opera, waltzes, polkas,
etc.  In point of fact, because of the very fast acting MIDI/solenoid
interface, the quality of the music is probably much superior to a 19th
century roll or barrel operated organ.  For example, by opening and
closing a pipe solenoid very quickly, a very good tremolo can be
achieved on any note or notes selected.

I am at a slight loss as what to call the organ.  About 120 years ago
it would have been called an orchestrion.  Today the term orchestrion
conjures up a different picture.  The other names that come to mind are
"concert organ", "cabinet organ" and "chamber organ".  Any other ideas
for names would be appreciated

Phil Dayson

 [ See the photo at the MMD Pictures site,
 [ http://mmd.foxtail.com/Pictures/  -- Robbie