Dear MMDers,  On Tue, 6 Feb 2007, Bruce Brockett wrote asking about
motorizing a busker organ.  I had to laugh as it reminded me of some
humorous questions I have been asked.

My wife and I traveled a large Wilhelm Bruder Soehne fair organ and
a 31-note Raffin organ for a number of years.  During that time we
were asked all sorts of odd questions from the viewing public.

Probably second in frequency after "Where's your monkey" (I had
lots of answers for that one!) was the question regarding the Bruder:
"Can you crank that by hand?" ("Yes, but after awhile I'd look like
a lopsided Popeye!") or, regarding the Raffin, "Can you put a motor
on it?"  ("Yes, but it cranks easily and a motor would take away some
of the fun and expression control.")

I do understand Mr. Brockett's motivation but whenever I got tired of
cranking, I always had a ready supply of kids or adults willing to take
a turn at the crank.

Some of the other questions I was asked have been:

 "What happens if you crank it backwards?" (Raffin)
 "Can you turn the volume down?" (Bruder, and not always said in jest!)
 "Where do you put the (cassette) tapes in it?" (Asked of both organs.)
 "Where are the speakers?" (Both organs.)
 "Do you sell flowers?" (We decorated our WBS organ trailer with
  hanging plants and other greenery.)

Thanks for the memories!

Bob Conant
Bradenton, Florida