Hi everybody,  My name is Marc and I have recently developed a passion
for band-organs.  My main interest in these marvelous machines lies
within the range of 42 to 66 keys.  Anything over that becomes a little
too orchestral, and that's not exactly how a band-organ should sound, in
my opinion.

My favorite kind of pipes are Ruth and Bruder -- basically the German
voices of the Black Forest district and Waldkirch.  Right now there
is a huge band-organ at the Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round which is quite
literally receiving no care and is not running these days.  I have tried
to pull together a sort of radical movement through the MBSI, but all of
my efforts seem to have been made in vain since nobody knows much about
these fantastic instruments.

Seeing as how I cannot move the world into caring for these things,
I have set my mind on a slightly different course.  I have this crazy
dream of replicating a band-organ similar to that of the "Elvira and
Cordelia" organ of the Yates collection.  However, everyone in the
organization keeps on telling me to buy an antique one.  That's all well
and good for preservation purposes, but because of my highly selective
nature, I just can't find anything out there that interests me.

I should also mention at this time that I am only 17 years of age and I
have not the capital to save one of these machines.  However, I have
heard the many stories about how people stumble across a derelict organ
who's owner cares not about what happens to it.  Oh, what I wouldn't give
for an opportunity like that.  But then again, it's not about giving, in
that case!

Although I cannot build or buy, I am trying to get all of the information
I can about the organs converted by B.A.B.  What the pipe placements
were, how many ranks and pipes etc.  I also want to record all of the
dimensions for the Ruth and Bruder pipes.  Information on pipe building
would be something of a benefit as well.  Basically, no amount of
information is too small for me.  Be it Ruth, Bruder, Artizan, or North
Tonawanda, I am always ready to listen.

I hear that B.A.B. music is not appreciated greatly among collectors.
Well, I think that music which was cut by J. Lawrence Cook is just
fantastic.  It really puts a band-organ to its full potential.  And just
because the music is a little more modern than Wurlitzer, that doesn't
mean it isn't any good.  Oh, and in case anyone needs it, Ed Openshaw
will be recutting B.A.B. rolls in the near future.  All he really needs
is a market for the stuff.  But first he has to complete a big organ
restoration.

I feel that the art of band organs lies in the plans themselves.  While
these organs may not survive, the plans will always be available to the
craftsman of tomorrow.  I know it is asking a lot, but those of you who
have a band organ might consider making detailed plans similar to those
of Robert Stanozek.  Of course, it would be highly inconvenient of you to
do so when the organ is in perfect condition.  But when the time comes
for a full restoration, why not record the data necessary for
replication?

Marc D. Elbasani

 [ Hi, Marc, glad you joined us here.  When we spoke by telephone you
 [ expressed your dismay over the sad condition of the band organ in
 [ Tilden Park.  The city of Seattle successfully raised funds to
 [ restore their Looff carousel and the companion Ruth organ.  Perhaps
 [ our members can tell you of other successful civic restorations,
 [ and how you might get the attention of the city fathers!  Good luck
 [ in your endeavors.  -- Robbie