Matthew,  I know of at least two conversion projects in the UK which
added a roll frame alongside the conventional keyframe in order to
play both cardboard books and Wurlitzer rolls.  The thought process may
have been to allow longer playing without attention or maybe to make
the purchase of new music cheaper.  With the advent of MIDI players
both of these reasons become invalid.

The more important consideration, in my opinion, is that the musical
arrangements on Wurlitzer rolls are far inferior to the vast majority
of arrangements found on cardboard books of a similar scale size, and
this leads one to the conclusion that such conversions are less than
ideal.

This is not just because the Wurlitzer arrangers were not as good
as their European counterparts but also because of the way Wurlitzer
used the various musical sections of the scale.  The Trumpet rank
predominantly follows the Melody whereas the European Counter-Melody
'does its own thing'.

It is instructional to listen to a Wurlitzer 125 or particularly
a Wurlitzer 150 with its limited 3 bass notes and compare it with
a small Bruder organ playing music by Gustav Bruder or Kevin Meayers
(as they say, other excellent musical arrangers are available!).

Best wishes from the UK, where I will be visiting the Amersham Fair
Organ Museum next Sunday for their last Open Day of the season.  These
are free entry events where you can enjoy the sounds of classic fair
organs in a warm and friendly environment, and meet up with old friends
for a chat and a cup of coffee.

Nicholas Simons

 [ The best music results when the music book or roll is played at
 [ the instrument for which the music was arranged.  Wurlitzer music
 [ is no exception to this rule.  -- Robbie