In several articles that I have read about band and fairground
organs, I have come across the term "mixture pipes."  For a novice
like myself could someone please explain (1) what are "mixture pipes",
(2) the advantages and disadvantages in having them present in band
organs, and (3) naming some band organ manufacturers who used
"mixture pipes" and those that did not.  I have heard of them being
present in Bruder and Ruth organs.

I am in the process of putting together both a Power Point Presentation
and an iMovie presentation on how band and fairground organs work and
this information would be very helpful.  Thanks for your time.

Michael Jones

 [ Jerry Pell's Modell 103 Gebrüder Bruder 67-keyless fair organ has
 [ no stops except the "Forte/Piano" or "Loud/Soft" control which turns
 [ on the Mixture to play louder.  (Even in "Soft" mode the organ is
 [ already very loud!)
 [
 [ In this century-old organ the Mixture is three ranks of Violin pipes
 [ playing the Melody division.  I think the pipes are two ranks at
 [ 8-foot pitch and one rank at 4-foot.  The Wurlitzer 165 organ has a
 [ similar effect when all four ranks of 8-foot Violins play together.
 [
 [ I view the Mixture like the strings ensemble in a symphony, or
 [ a chorus of voices on stage -- they alternate with a softer solo
 [ voice in a contrast of loud and soft.  -- Robbie