In a message dated 96-12-01 04:33:58 EST, Craig Brougher writes:

>
> I've heard of it, but never seen one. Maybe somebody on this page knows
> more about them.  On the other hand, the reed organ only requires an
> inch or two of vacuum pressure, maybe a little more or less depending
> on the reed, so the power required to play reeds is *about* 1/5 to
> 1/10th that required to play piano notes. By bleeding a very small
> percentage of your player vacuum into another reservoir controlling the
> reed pressure, you could play the reeds by vacuum, or, conversely, you
> could also build pressure using a double pump system the way
> orchestrions play their pipes. I'd be interested to know how this was
> actually done. power-wise, however, you have no problem.
>
>

The idea of installing a pressure system to a foot-pumper is fabulous.
The main problem I see is the pedal return: the return springs would
have to be strong enough to compress pressure in one section as well as
create vacuum, but not be so strong as to make pumping an Olympic
event.  And how about using a simple valve to pouch pipe chest like a
single rank Coinola that would minimize vacuum usage?

A nice rank of flute or violin pipes could be built into the piano if
all of this was double. Any thoughts on the spring tension fro pedals?

Thanks,

S.K. Goodman