Mike Knudsen asked:


>> Was it really built from conventional church and theater organ pipes,
>> as opposed to wooden pipes specifically made for band organ use?


Matthew Caufield wrote back:


>> As you know, the different sounds of different band organs is partly
>> (largely, even) due to the assortment of pipes their makers used.
>> Ray Siou always called his instrument that played Wurlitzer Style
>> 165 music rolls a "church-pipe organ", and I'm sure Tony Greer can
>> confirm where the pipes in it came from.


Hi Mike, Matthew, All,  Most of the pipes used in Ray Siou's band organ
came from Noble Stidham's own collection of organ pipes.  I can't say
exactly what pipes were used or the exact location from where they
came, but as far as I know, they were mostly from church and theater
organs.  Both wood and metal pipes were used in the band organ.  Some
of the smaller ones may have been from other instruments, like the
Reproduco.

When I started working at MSI, Noble had literally thousands of wood
and metal pipes stuffed into every available nook and cranny in the
entire shop.  Most of the machines we built used pipes from this
collection.  Occasionally he would have to locate a rank that he did
not have, but most sets came from his own stock.

I will post some photos soon that shows some of the pipes in the band
organ.  I'm biased for sure, but I think this band organ sounds
wonderful.  I have not heard enough band organs to be really objective,
but I find the compliment of pipes and percussion used very pleasing
and easy to listen to.

Best Regards,

Tony Greer
Lubbock, Texas