Jonathan:

As an owner of a plain ol' Chautauqua Roller Organ (the Grand's little
brother) I'm jealous! A Grand Roller Organ is one of my dream machines! I've
seen several for sale at the Bound Brook, New Jersey phonograph & mech. music
shows in past few years. The lowest price I saw was $3,200 (with one
cob)...the highest was $4,000 (with 6 cobs). The cobs alone seem to go for
between $100-150 each. As I understand it, unlike the smaller Gem & Concert
(my Chautauqua is a Concert) which were sold by multiple thousands through
mail order catalogs like Sears & Montgomery Ward, the Grand was never sold in
great quantities....hence it's relative rarity (and higher cost) today.

The first time I heard a Grand, it was playing "Auld Lang Syne", and frankly,
I wasn't impressed. THEN I heard one playing some sort of classical overture,
and...WOW! It really took advantage of the 35-note range and the long playing
time.

Enjoy your treasure!

Jim Canavan
Alexandria, VA
cybrflash@aol.com