[ Hiddo van Os wrote in 050238 MMDigest:

> I am about to buy a new German organ and I can't make the decision
> between two brands: Deleika and Raffin.

I also have a 15- to 20-year-old Raffin, a 31/84, and it still plays
very well.  And I have a more or less equally old Deleika 20/31 that no
longer plays at all, since its bellows cloth and/or leather valve flaps
have deteriorated.  According to another MMDer who has rebuilt three
Deleika organs, the bellows fabric is of low quality and the valve
leather is too thin.

However, my Deleika played very crisply, with fast repetition, just
a few years ago before its "lungs" quit.  Either a Raffin or a Deleika
will sound excellent when new.  The question is whether both will hold
their playing ability (and value) over time.

Deleika may have improved their materials, but if the price is not too
much different, I would stick with the Raffin.  However, if you want
the 26er Deleika scale, you will need a new Deleika.  But consider that
Raffin makes a "Concert" 20er with several registers -- at least, they
once did.

Another choice would be to get a (used?) free-reed busker organ,
possibly by Raffin, to play your 20er rolls.

Best wishes, however you choose.
Mike Knudsen, USA