Many years ago, Bob Heilbuth invited/allowed me to see his masterpieces,
thanks to Ron Downer, the premier San Francisco organ and mechanical
instrument fan.

The band organ in the front room was nothing short of astounding, with
the large library of original, hand-made music rolls.  As I recall,
the action was pressure rather than vacuum.  The large, 2-manual
tracker organ he built in the back room was equally amazing.  I have
heard him referred to as a "mad genius."  I don't know about the "mad"
part, but the genius certainly fits.

He managed to fabricate virtually every bit and piece for the band
organ, the tracker organ, the player for the tracker(!) organ from
used theatre organ parts, odds and ends.  Thank goodness he allowed me
to videotape the afternoon we spent there.  It is a wonderful record of
the two instruments, to say nothing of Robert Heilbuth himself.

Perhaps I have missed it, but has anyone said what became of the
tracker organ and the band organ on Bob's passing?

Tom DeLay
Salinas, California