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MMD > Archives > May 2025 > 2025.05.14 > 01Prev  Next


MIDI Player System for Barrel Organ
By Hermann Borries

Hello, I have been asked to assist a MIDI implementation for a 1910
Bacigalupo barrel organ. Obviously the MIDI implementation has to be
easily reversible, with no modifications to the existing instrument.

I built a MIDI crank organ myself, and I know how to build the
electronics and software; see my solution here:
https://www.github.com/bixb922/crank-organ 

Does anyone have photos or description on how this was done?
There is plenty of space where the barrel goes. The keys have to
be lifted about 2 mm but with a force of about 1 Newton [3.6 ounces].

I am currently researching solenoids and servos that can do that work.
I would appreciate very much any photos or description how this was
mounted and designed to fit in the instrument.

Best regards,
Hermann Borries
Santiago, Chile
hermannvb@gmail.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

[ A nicely restored Bacigalupo Harmonipan plays at
[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpAAGYpUdKQ 
[ -- Robbie


(Message sent Wed 14 May 2025, 16:32:36 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Barrel, MIDI, Organ, Player, System

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