After doing a rather comprehensive search on the web I have failed
to find evidence that anyone has converted a old reed organ to
a solenoid operated MIDI device.  Does anyone know of links to
a conversion of this nature?

I have an old reed organ that is in a really dreadful case and has
major damage to the bellows.  I was thinking about taking the 'reed
pan' (the part that has the spindles, vacuum chest and reeds) and
making a bracket to hold solenoids that would actuate the spindles
and open the pallets beneath the reeds.

I am confident that I can get the mechanics and electronics done with
a little work on my part.  What I don't understand is why I have not
seen this done by someone else.  This leads me to think, "Is this
a really bad idea?"

So, if you know of someone who has done something like this I would
appreciate hearing from you.  And, perhaps more importantly, if you
know of a reason that this is a "really dumb idea", I would love to
hear from you and find out why.

Many thanks in advance,
Bill McGown - On a Bayou in Mississippi