Again Ingmar Krause writes:

> Now I'm confused.  First, what is a "larger" organ?  Second, do you
> crank _all_ of the time?
>
> When choosing an organ, the ease of play should not be important.
> My reasons are:  If you like your organ, then you will practice,
> until you are able to play all day long if you really have to.

Just a few of my own thoughts on this matter. First what is a larger
organ ?  Generally 20 note organs have smaller pumps. The smaller pumps
turn easier.  Raffin 31 note organs also used to have a smaller pump
but when they came out with the trumpet organ, they needed to increase
the pump size. This larger pump was then installed in ALL 31 note
organs. When I purchased my 31-84 Raffin, I had only cranked the
earlier style. When my new one arrived, I could not crank through an
entire roll without getting cramps. I have, as suggested, practiced.
Now I am comfortable with cranking for 1 hour without stopping. The
longest I have ever cranked in one session is 5 hours (never again !)
It is much easier at a rally when pairing up with one or two other
organs and then doing a round robin. With a 1/3 duty cycle, I can crank
forever. So, I would say a bigger organ is one with 31 or more notes
and with a large pump. These usually weigh in excess of 100 pounds. A
smaller organ would be a busker or a 20 note organ or reed organ.
Another consideration when pumping is that many 20 note organs have a
2 section pump. This gives a noticeable 2 position "jump" in the handle
per revolution. This may be disconcerting to some people when they try
to crank smoothly. The larger organs have a 4 section pump and there
is a much less noticeable "jump" in the handle when turning. A flywheel
makes this even smoother. Just a few thoughts in turning an organ.

Bob Conant
Endicott, NY