I've recently completed building a John Smith 26-note organ which
plays 26- and 20-note music rolls.  This is a fantastic organ with
70 pipes, a glock, and 4 ranks of pipes controlled by stops.  The
plans detail many different types of pipes from which to choose for
the ranks, depending on what type of sound the builder prefers.

I found the plans to be accurate with John's comments, suggestions
and building techniques included.  John also includes a helpful video,
almost a training course for building an organ.

This is a serious organ, which takes time to build.  I worked part-time
on it for about a year.  Others have completed theirs in 6 months.  It
surely is worth every minute as this is the best sounding organ I have
built.

The organ is very responsive and powerful because it is valve operated,
which I thought might be tough, but turned out to be easy to construct.
Cranking power is smooth with air from the three pumping bellows.

All in all, it's a great project, fun and satisfying to build and great
to listen to in the end.  I was so excited upon completion, I called
John Smith, across the pond, and played mine for him over the phone.

If you are interested check out John Smith's web site:
http://freespace.virgin.net/chris.doe/jsmith/jsmith.htm

My wife is a bit worried about what John is working on next because
she knows I'll want to build it.  Don't sit back and dream, go for it
-- mechanical music is in your future.

Charlie Randazzo

 [ Descriptions of the John Smith busker organs are at
 [   http://freespace.virgin.net/chris.doe/jsmith/26note.htm
 [   and http://www.melright.com/busker/jsmith.htm
 [ Construction plans may be purchased from
 [   http://www.rollcutter.com/plans.htm
 [
 [ The 26-note organ plays 110 mm wide paper music rolls, including
 [ "Raffin standard" 20er rolls and also extended 26-note rolls.
 [ -- Robbie