In my very humble opinion Wurlitzer rolls make a Wurlitzer band organ
sound like just what it is. I think the Wurlitzer band organs,
especially the one that play style 150 rolls are in the same musical
category as bagpipes, or 5 string banjos. They are very limited
musically because of their big 3 base notes and their non chromatic
scale, but that's the charm. They sound just like what they are. The
three honking bass trombones and the phrasing of the percussion is just
what most people expect from a Wurlitzer band organ.

It is certainly possible to extract more from a Wurlitzer band organ as
several custom arrangers and B. A. B. have shown, but I think that's the
wrong thing to do. I can play the Ode To Joy from Beethoven's 9th
symphony on my 5 string banjo. It turns heads, but not enough for me to
give up my day job. People expect something else from a 5 string banjo,
and a Wurlitzer band organ.

I will admit that the 125 and 165 scales offer more opportunity to
program real music, but not much more. If you want to make music with a
band organ then you need a full chromatic scale as found in most
European fairground organs. Too much of a good thing and you'll end up
sounding like a theater organ. It's a not so delicate balance that makes
a band organ sound like a band organ.

So I perversely vote Wurlitzer rolls yes, B.A.B. rolls no.

Bill Finch