After seeing the pictures of the Johnson Style 163 band organ, it
appears to be modeled after the Wurlitzer 164.  The Wurlitzer 164
had 252 wooden pipes (four less than a Wurlitzer 165) and an additional
64 brass pipes, plus the 22 glockenspiel, drums, triangle wood block,
cymbal and crash cymbal.  This made the organ very loud, and that was
its purpose.

While every one is thinking about sound absorption devices and
Plexiglas, may I suggest looking at the Wurlitzer 155 Monster.
By putting leaded glass windows on the front of the organ, you
can still see the brass works and you don't have a tacky look of
Plexiglas.  You could hinge the glass doors in case you do want
additional volume at times.

I attached a recent picture of the Wurlitzer 164; I am the ugly
guy in front and, no, that is not a halo, just a snare drum!

Jim Kenney

 [ Thanks for the photo, Jim, I'll place it at
 [ http://mmd.foxtail.com/Pictures/   -- Robbie