Dear MMDians,  Some band-organ people have been telling me that there is
very little difference, if any, in the tonal characteristics of Ruth,
Bruder, Wurlitzer, North Tonawanda, and Artizan pipes.  It's said that
the sound of an organ is truly determined by the number of pipes, their
type, and position in the organ case.  I've always stated that I am
partial to the Ruth and Bruder pipes, but could it be that I am a little
prejudiced to pipes because of their origin? What say you all?

Alan Erb is a restoration artist in Hayward, California, whom I've known
for a little while now.  Although he's a little old fashioned, he has
begun to take advantage of the marvelous Internet.  It isn't much, but
he has just activated a page.  His email isn't operational though, so the
only thing which is listed is a telephone number and address.  However,
you will see a pretty neat picture of a fairground organ being serviced
by Alan.

The page is located at:

    http://www.quikpage.com/E/erbc

I tell you, I've seen and heard his work and it's most impressive.  And
considering that he does his restorations in the "old tradition", he's
kind of like the DeKleist of the 90's.

Anyway, if anyone knows what's really so different about the makes of
pipes, would you please share it?  I get the feeling I'm too narrow-minded
about pipes, and I may be too rigid in my belief in the quality of German
pipes vs. American.

Warmest regards,
Marc Elbasani