Hello all,  I am not sure if this is the correct way to post to this
group, but anyway, I happen to have a few questions in regards to
constructing band and or street organs.

Looking to purchase a carousel that lacks a band organ, I initially
wanted to restore an existing organ.  However, I was finding that the
cost of an unrestored organ was prohibitively expensive.  I thus chose
to make my own.  This way I have the added ability to add to the organ
as needed.

Also, most band organs are excruciatingly loud and thus would not fair
well in my application, where the carousel is located in a shopping
mall.  Thus building the organ to a certain loudness level is key.  Also,
MIDI operation is paramount as well, as I do have a MIDI orchestration
program and thus can edit and manipulate MIDI files.  MIDI also allows
me to compose newer songs as well that cannot be found on a roll.

I have done much research in the industry and did get in contact
with various fixtures such as Alan Pell, Melvyn Wright, and John Smith.
I also got in contact with various individuals that restore band organs
as well.  I have ordered the plans for John Smith's 26 note "universal
organ".   His organ is primarily a "piano roll" type and, as I said,
I would like to make a MIDI-based organ.  I read over Mr. Smith's plans
carefully and realized I can easily adapt the organ to MIDI control.

Since most of the information I obtained were through sources in
England, I was wondering where I could get supplies here in the US.

I managed to luck out and get pipes for the organ.  A person in Oregon
was parting out a wooden pipe organ and I snatched up the pipes.  I can
easily build a windchest but I would need supplies for that as well.

What I need is leather for the reservoir and chamois leather.  Since
I am going to use MIDI, I would need a good supplier of noiseless
electrical valves.

Most important, instead of bellows I am going to use a blower, what is
a good choice here?  I been trying to track down a supplier for blowers
for those air-hockey games.  They are fairly noise-less and have a
really high output.  But so far I have come up with nothing.

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

Thank You,

George Moore