Matthew Caulfield hit the nail on the head about finding younger
people to repair machines such as band organs.  I started out with
my love of band organs at the age of 11, and helped run one from the
age of 12 until I was 24, when the machine was sold.

I always wanted to get involved in doing complete restoration of
these machines and learning how to do them correctly.  I have read many
books on the subject and I am currently restoring a player piano, and
I believe the best way to learn is by hands on.  I am very handy with
my hands and love wood working, but my real love are band organs.

The one thing I don't like is when they don't run properly.  I had
asked Mike Kitner if he was willing to let me come out his way and
learn some of his vast knowledge, but by then he was too sick.

When restoring my 20 Gately organette, Craig Smith was very helpful
and pointed out some of the things I did wrong and I thank him daily
when I crank out a tune on the organ.

I live in north New Jersey and wish there was a class for this type
of learning close by, before all the great restorers are gone.

Jim Kenney