Howard Wyman recently wrote:

> Keep in mind that the pitch of the organ may not be A = 440.
> For example, in the Wurlitzer 105, all pipes are one whole step
> below standard pitch.  That is, a pipe marked G would sound the
> same as an F played on the piano, a pipe marked C would correspond
> to B-flat on the piano, etc.

Does anyone have a compilation of this kind of information for other
Wurlitzer band organs: 146, 145, 150, 153, 165, et cetera?

Is there a general rule?  Are all Style 150 roll instruments the same?
Are all style 125 roll instruments the same?

I have tuned many Wurlitzer organs to concert pitch with no problems,
[and] I have found some instruments that wouldn't speak properly when
tuned to concert pitch.  In this case I would tune so that the most
difficult pipes would speak (usually the wooden trombones) and tune the
others to match.

I've always done this by feel, but if there is an intended pitch for
specific organs this information could save a lot of time.

Bill Finch

 [ Chromatic organs (e.g., with few bass notes, such as the Wurlitzer
 [ 150 roll plays) may be tuned with a "Just Tuning" temperament
 [ instead of equally tempered.  See the MMD Archives for "Band Organ
 [ Just Tuning" and "Electronic Tuning Aids".  -- Robbie