Harald Mueller writes:

> But why, then, is clear plastic tubing used in so many small organs
> I have seen ("all", I would guess, although I did not really pay
> attention to this detail up to now)?

Raffin monkey organs use black neoprene tubing.  Even the knockoff
Deleika 20-note organs did.  Clear plastic tubing gets used because
it is cheap, easier to find, and it looks bright and shiny when new.

Neoprene rubber tubing fits on the nipples better, is more flexible
and, while it will ultimately get stiff with age, it will not ooze
any plasticizers.  I have a Dynavoice keytop player built with clear
plastic tubing, which has oozed enough to weaken some of the hard
plastic parts.

Clear plastic tubing is recommended for any instrument that you intend
to keep live fish in.  :-)

Mike Knudsen