[ Ref. 021122 MMDigest, "Johnson Style 163 Band Organ
 [ in Salem, Oregon"

I have heard from a number of young people who operate carousels,
who are of the opinion that the "real" organ is "too loud", and
(unfortunately), they prefer to play tapes or even the radio.  It
amuses me sometimes to think that this may have something to do with
the "type" of music, as the volume of some music I hear at stoplights
is quite capable of cracking the roadbed!

It is understood that to listen to an organ for any period it must
be working properly and sounding good.  Given that this is the case,
volume is still an issue.  Putting the organ in a plastic box is a
really poor solution, especially with the pipes in close proximity
to surfaces of any type.  The carousel pavilion is, I believe, an
acoustically wonderful location for an organ.

There are many ways which are effective in reducing the volume (or
apparent volume) of a band organ, which are minimally impacting on
machine or sound.  These include [altering the] location, orientation,
wind adjustment (with attendant requisite (minimal) pipe adjustment),
stops, periodic use throughout the day, etc.

Alan Erb