Several weeks ago Stephen Klinger asked about converting a reed organ to a
player. The player action used on pianos was first developed on reed organs
and then adapted to pianos, so in principle there should be no problem. The
vacuun operated Aeolian Orchestrelles use an action very similar to the
Standard Piano Action, with primary and secondary valves. Some years ago
there was a guy who converted reed organs to players to provide music for
children's carousels. He called them Jackolodeons. They use the player action
from a player piano and the reed chest from a reed organ. Carl Curtis of
Manchester, Michigan has one of these beasts and brings it to the MBSI Band
Organ Rallies every year. I have photographs of it and will send you copies
if you send me your address.

Fritz Gellerman