The recent discussion on purchasing a hand-cranked organ covered a number
of points for first-time buyers to consider.  Thanks to Ingmar Krause for
his fine discourse on the attributes of different types of organs.
However, some issues were not covered in the recent discussions.  I would
like to add the following practical considerations.

After taking my turn with several types of hand-cranked organs at the
recent organ rally, I noticed that some were easier to operate than
others.  When performing in public, the operator is turning the crank for
a long, long time.  The first-time owner needs to consider ease of
operation and his or her own endurance for cranking.  Some cranks or
wheels, especially on larger organs, are harder to turn than others.  Your
arm will wear out long before the day is over, causing you to quit early
or recruit back-up operators.

Some cranks turn a smaller circumference while others turn a larger one.
Again, you'll be cranking all day.  What size circumference is the most
comfortable to your arm?

Also, I noted that most (all?) hand-cranked organs have the crank on the
right side.  If you're left-handed, are you able to crank right-handed?
(Robbie Rhodes is a lefty, but he is not available to comment.  Any other
lefties out there care to comment?)  Myself, I am right-handed, but I can
comfortably crank either right- or left-handed.  It certainly helps
increase my endurance when one hand becomes tired.

These are a few practical considerations.  If you think of any additional
ones, please send them to the MMD.

Joyce Brite
Player Piano and Mechanical Music Exchange       Buy * Sell * Trade
http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/