MMD > Archives > April 1997 > 1997.04.19 > 03Prev  Next


Keys for Mechanical Organ Keyframe
By Tim Blyth

A question to the USA readers of this Digest:  In Europe, mechanical
organs ("Band Organs" in USA) are generally operated by music books,
being either Keyed or Keyless.  The keyless ones are usually read by wind
pressure driving a relay valve.  The keyed one use traditional Gavioli or
Mortier style keys: long tails with horizontal comb; Mareghi style:
short tails with vertical comb or centre pivoted keys.  They are all
based on the original Gavioli type.

In the States I believe most of your instruments that were made there or
imported from France play Wurlitzer style rolls.  Are there any
instruments still playing with proper keyed keyframes?

I supply various key types to the UK organ restorers.

Tim Blyth - organ restorer
South Devon, England, UK


(Message sent Sat 19 Apr 1997, 13:17:25 GMT, from time zone GMT+0100.)

Key Words in Subject:  Keyframe, Keys, Mechanical, Organ
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