A C Pilmer Automatic Music Ltd. Issue Five Summer 2018 G RACE N OTES

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 87- K E Y G AVIOLI O R G A N ’ S D E BU T INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Belgian Café Culture 2

4046 yearskey organ in business! to Australia 2 MarenghiIn Brief bandmaster 2 W.B.S. Model 76 / 77 3 Launch of Newsletter 2 Jim Krughoff RIP 3 32 key Prinsen organs 3 The air that we breathe 3 In Brief 3 87-key Gavioli organ’s 4 debut

On the weekend of June 16th and 17th 2018 our latest full restoration project made its public debut at the Castle Fraser steam rally in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The organ, an early 87-key Gavioli, was built in 1898 and now forms part of the extensive collection of Mike Dree- lan, a prominent collector of steam and other road vehicles. It is not known exactly where the organ was first used commercially, but it was possibly somewhere in ; at some point it was ex- ported to the United States where it provided the music for a in a permanent amusement park. In the late 1920s the organ was rebuilt by the B.A.B. Organ Company of Brooklyn, New York. At this time, the Gavioli keyframe was removed and the scale changed to their own 80-keyless book system, making the old library of music redundant. A new selection of popular music was then supplied for it. Later, the organ operated at Almonesson Lake, a permanent amusement park in New Jersey. When the park closed down many items were sold to Jim Wells, a dealer from Fairfax, Northern Virginia. Later, the organ passed into the hands of an enthusiast, and by 2007 was owned by a collector in Florida who kept it in his basement. (For more pictures and details please turn to the back page)

W H Y N OT B E C O M E A N O R G A N O W N E R ?

We would like to draw your at- facility and is thus now willing to owner and, for a time we rented it tention to two instruments cur- accept a very competitive price to an amusement park. The present rently offered for sale on behalf of for a quick sale to solve this owner (since 1990) is unfortunately clients on our website, where problem. no longer able to drive the Bedford further details and pictures can be The second instrument we high- display vehicle it is housed in, and so found. The first is a 101-key organ light here is a 52-key street is now keen for the organ to pass to with 12 automatic registers, built organ built in 1970 by Arthur a new owner, rather than it stand in the in the early Bursens in . It was unused. Only four of these organs 1990s. Named De Arend ( The purchased new by Lord O’Neill were ever built; one of them has Eagle ), it is mounted on a covered of Shane’s Castle, Co. Antrim, already been in Japan for a number continental-built trailer, ready for and was initially mounted on a of years. If you feel you might like to use, and can play from either 1920s Leyland lorry. Later the become the new owner of either of traditional cardboard music books combination found its way to these two tuneful organs, please do or from a MIDI system. The Arthur Mason in Norfolk; subse- make contact with us as soon as owner is about to lose his storage quently we ourselves became its possible. Page 2 Issue Five

B E L G I A N C A F É C U LT U R E

A very interesting book recently makers of such devices. Indeed, both English and Dutch, can be came to our attention, which will their use prevailed much longer obtained through all good book- surely be of interest to some of there than almost any other shops or online. You can find out our readers. It is entitled Belgian country. A major Belgian distribu- much more at Café Culture and is the work of tor of instruments from www.missfoodwise.com/2016/10/ Regula Ysewijn, a food writer, was the famous Brussels firm of belgian-cafe-culture-book.html/ photographer and graphic de- C. J. Gérard & Co. * signer. Regula lives in Belgium but The visitor to Belgium 40 years is a true Anglophile and has previ- ago could enjoy the music of a ously written another book, Pride whole host of café organs for the and Pudding , on the history of modest investment of a 5-franc British puddings. A few years ago coin in the wall box, but today she became aware of the decline in very few remain on location, the number of traditional cafés in having been dispersed to collec- Belgium, in the same way that tors worldwide. Since that time, traditional pubs have been disap- the delights of Belgian beer have pearing here in the UK, and de- also become much more widely cided that this unique heritage appreciated. One of the best should be documented for poster- known present-day locations * We have a limited stock of quality The book is very attractively de- ity in words and pictures before it (with a 92-key Gebr. Decap or- facsimiles of a rare 34-page Gerard signed and features many colour was too late. gan), the Café Beveren, is men- catalogue for sale, printed just like photographs by the author. Here is To someone interested in me- tioned in the book, but is sadly the original and measuring 21cms x a copy of the book, ready to enjoy, chanical music, Belgian cafés were not featured specifically. This café 17cms. Several Weber together with a beckoning glass of renowned in the past for their and its famous organ do however styles including the Brabo, Styria, flavoursome, cool Belgian beer! extensive use of barrel pianos, feature in many current Antwerp Maesto and Solea are described and piano , violin players travel guides. illustrated in it. In the UK this costs just £6.00, or $10.00 from the and other instruments, resulting in The hardback, 272-page book, U.S.A. You can find more details on that small country becoming one published by Luster, which is in of the leading markets for the the book page of our website.

I N B R I E F

The weekly glossy magazine We are sorry to report the pass- be the first book-playing instru- supplement to the Yorkshire ing on April 22nd of Brian Dun- ment to be used on the UK Post regional newspaper of ford the well-known engine and mainland, and more recently, was Saturday, January 6th 2018 car- organ owner from Flockton, the first fairground organ to be ried a well-written, almost full- West Yorkshire. Over the years recorded and released on com- page article on the subject of Brian purchased and restored pact disc in this country. † collecting juke boxes, written by several road steam engines in- ______John Vincent. It was accompanied cluding examples by Sentinel,

by a large colour picture of the Foden, Garrett and Burrell. The Thanks to all who re-subscribed Style 850 Peacock fine Burrell showmen’s scenic to this e-newsletter as a result of jukebox which we purchased at road locomotive “ King George V ” the new General Data Protection auction last year on behalf of a of 1911 was a familiar sight at Regulation of May 25th. If you client, and which was mentioned many events together with the 89 know someone who would like in the previous edition of Grace key Gavioli organ we obtained to receive Grace Notes, please and restored for him over 20 Notes. ask them to subscribe by visiting years ago. This was believed to —————— our website.

4 6 - K E Y O R G A N G O E S T O A USTRALIA Congratulations to the enthusias- shipments, the bespoke packing tic couple from Melbourne, Austra- case was fully compliant with lia, who visited us during 2017 and present international regulations purchased the handily-sized 46-key and constructed to be handled by Andrew Whitehead fair organ which fork-lift. We can arrange the was for sale on our website. Before transportation of all kinds of in- it left, several improvements were struments, whether purchased carried out and the instrument was from us or not, including all docu- cleaned, adjusted and tuned. Along mentation and insurance. We have with its library of music books, extensive experience in the use of including some new ones selected dedicated 20 and 40ft containers by the owners, the organ was then and trailers and also smaller con- carefully packed for its long sea solidated consignments by land, voyage “down under”. This included sea and air. We have arranged the hermetically sealing the organ and safe worldwide transport of sev- its accessories in a foil bag with eral large dance, street and fair desiccant to prevent the possible organs, piano orchestrions and build-up of moisture whilst in tran- other items. Call us in confidence sit. As with all our international to discuss your requirements. Grace Notes Page 3

F E A T U RE D O R G A N S C A L E W I L H E L M B R U D E R S Ö H N E M O D E L S 7 6 / 7 7

This scale was introduced by the tion to the music. There are 15 same as Gavioli’s instead of that firm of Wilhelm Bruder notes in the accompaniment division, usually favoured by WBS. Perhaps Söhne during the 1920s in re- which has an abridged compass of this was due to the influence of the sponse to the changing market for notes from g to b, predominantly 46-keyless organs they were mak- fairground organs. The aim was to featuring wooden trumpets with a ing at this time for Chiappa Ltd. in produce a musical, yet physically helper. The rhythm of the music is . A new design of façade small instrument that would be thus perfectly accentuated by the was produced for the Starkton strong in sound and attractive in trumpets playing short chords, and range of organs, which reflected appearance, yet produced at a low counter-melodies contrast with the the jazz age in its style. Many or- cost. The firm referred this range melody division. This has 17 notes, gans with serial numbers towards of new instruments as Starkton- continuing on the sequence from c the end of WBS production are Notenorgeln or “powerful sounding to g; the scale contains no d# in any instruments of this type, suggesting book organs” and designated them of the divisions. The melody is car- that the design brief had correctly as models 76 and 77. Model 76 ried by a which can vary in anticipated the demands of show- instruments did not have percus- composition from organ to organ. men. A large repertoire of music This smart model 76 Starkton organ was used sion or reed pipes, and were However, in all cases, the mixture was produced, especially the hit on the fairs in what later became East Germany perhaps designed for use in chil- carries the melody line admirably, tunes of the day, which guaranteed and remained there until the early 1990s. It was collected by us from Hamburg,, brought dren’s roundabouts, as the sound often at octaves, in which case it the popularity of these organs with back to our workshop and fully restored and re- is not so aggressive. The model 77 soars above the accompaniment so the fair-going public. The factory decorated. A complete repertoire of carefully had percussion and fuller instru- that the music always has clarity. arrangements were by Eugen produced new music was also furnished, to which the subsequent owner has also added. It mentation. The scale provides five Although the scale provides for a Bruder, one of the principals of the is mounted in a smart, compact four-wheeled bass notes, F, G, A, C and D, forte / piano function, we only know firm. In the years after the war, box trailer which can be pulled with a large car. which in the model 77 organs are of one instrument with this feature. Gustav Bruder produced much The organ made the long journey from North Yorkshire to the organ festival in Waldkirch in furnished by reed pipes designated The percussion effects comprise of a additional music for this scale, 2011 where it was well-received. It is now for as tubas by the makers. There are snare drum with two independent including several impressive pot- sale, and would be an ideal starter instrument no stopped or open helpers beaters, and a bass drum and Chi- pourris and concert pieces which for an enthusiast with a liking for German fair organs. Contact us for further details - more sounding with these pipes, but the nese cymbal sounding together. leave the listener in wonder at pictures and a video can be found on the For full, warm sound of the reeds on Interestingly, the company chose to what can be achieved with just 37 Sale page on our website. their own produces a fine founda- make the tracker bar spacing the playing notes!

T H E A I R T H AT W E B R E AT H E The compressed air used in all even centrifugal fans but are of the arrangement reduces unwanted organs is the very life blood of the paddle-type, which, after running for noise, and significantly lowers the instrument. Traditionally, this was some time, can heat up the wind energy requirement, especially the furnished by bellows (or a pump) being produced, causing tuning and initial starting load - an advantage and there can be no doubt that other problems with the organ, when using a portable generator. this remains an excellent method especially in hot weather. Over the Not only can we supply complete of producing “wind” (as organ years we have gained a lot of experi- new units for use in Europe, but builders refer to it.) However, ence with blowers and their associ- also for organs in the U.S.A. In many organs of more recent con- ated wind control, and to our these instances we specify Ameri- struction have always had wind amazement often see organs where can-market motors and inverters supplied by a blower, and for there is absolutely no control over so that any future repairs can be reasons of convenience or cost the volume of air supplied to the easily carried out locally. If you the original bellows were often reservoir - a wholly unsatisfactory currently have a problem with removed years ago from organs. situation. For the last few years we your existing blower, or wish to From time to time we encounter have mainly been supplying blowers buy a brand new one, why not organs of this nature, fitted with fitted with the latest inverter motor contact us now? We’ll be pleased older blowers which are often belt drives, whereby the fan speed can be to give you further advice. driven. Sometimes these are not regulated exactly as required. This

J I M K RUGHOFF R . I . P . You can to use this QR code to We were very saddened to proud to have been associated with of MBSI National Conventions held quickly access our website to receive the news that James A. the full restoration of two major in Chicago will be long- see new content. (Jim) Krughoff , of Downers items in the collection: the fine remembered for the fine music and Grove, Illinois, USA passed away model 38 Ruth organ which came pleasant atmosphere. Jim collected on February 20th. Jim, together from and the famous Blue instruments because he was genu- with Sherrie, his wife of over 50 Angel Decap robot organ. Jim and inely interested in and enjoyed years, built up a world-class Sherrie were founder members of their music, playing them either collection of mechanical musical the Lake Michigan Chapter of the for his own or visitors’ pleasure instruments and associated Musical Box Society International, almost every day. We produced music libraries. The collection and we were privileged to have over 1700 metres of new books housed a wide variety of instru- been guests at a number of Open for the Ruth organ which included ments, from reproducing pianos House events and to have enjoyed seldom-heard overtures and con- and musical boxes to a Wurlit- their spontaneous, generous hospi- cert pieces which Jim had carefully zer . Jim’s great tality, including their legendary selected to bring out the best in passion, however, was for large barbeques with plenty of Jim’s the instrument. We offer our and rare German and American favourite ’Old Style’ beer! Their sincere condolences to Sherrie and orchestrions and organs. We are well-organised presentations as part family at this sad time. † A C Pilmer Automatic Music Ltd. 8 7 - K E Y G AVIOLI O R G A N ’ S D E B U T

Correspondence Address: Ridingwood Farm Upper Common Lane (Continued from Page 1) Clayton West After removal from the basement of the house in Florida the instrument was carefully packed and Huddersfield shipped in a container to the UK. Since then, a full restoration and re-decoration has taken place, West Yorkshire HD8 9LN undoing some of the alterations made in the late 1920s and returning the organ to the original Gavioli specification and scale. Fortunately, in this instance, the bellows (‘pump’ for our U.S.A. readers) had Phone: + 44 (0) 1924 272743 been retained, and these were completely re-leathered. The original hand-carved façade ornaments Mobile phone: + 44 (0) 738 879843 E-mail: [email protected] and figures were repaired, re-decorated and gilded, and a © 2018 A C Pilmer Automatic Music Ltd. completely new repertoire of music was furnished. Al- though a number of 87-key Gavioli organs remain today, very few are configured to the original scale, which pro- vides individual control for the band mistress's conduct- ing arm, and for her head and left arm. Similarly, the two bell ringer figures are controlled from their own key in www.acpilmer.com the music. In most other cases, as 89-key (VB) music is being used, these functions have been linked to the op- eration of the bass drum and non-existent register con- trols. We have never before seen the figures operate as the original makers intended, and this was a revelation, as the independent control offers an enhanced visual and You can hear the difference ! musical dimension. Similarly, the true character of an 87- key organ can be heard by using the correct musical arrangements. Although the organ provided the music for a carousel, it did not stand in its centre, as is the custom here in the U.K., but stood against the wall of the pavilion housing the carousel, facing the ride. The original high proscenium had thus remained, which, al- though impressive in appearance, created practical prob- lems for the organ’s transportation and display outdoors in public. The photographs below show how Mike Dree- View of the rear of the organ showing the original case panels with lan overcame this problem. It is intended to present the cloth inserts whilst a new music book is in play. organ at events outside of Scotland when the details of the presentation have been completed, and we will advise of this in due course. As well operation from the normal mains supply or on-board generator, the electrical system for the organ has been designed for use with a 110V DC supply, which at some events will be provided by Mike’s Burrell Special Scenic Road Locomotive “ Dolphin ”.

In order to accommodate the organ’s tall proscenium, a unique trailer was designed by Mike Dreelan and built in Yorkshire by WHF Ltd. The entire roof is elevated on hydraulic rams to allow the carved work to be displayed. Additionally the trailer, riding on air suspension, has hydraulic levelling jacks, a built-in diesel generator and a sophisticated lighting system. The opening doors are hydraulically operated by remote control. The sides of the trailer have been lettered and gilded following an original Gavioli design by sign writer Phil Anderson. We firmly believe that this is the finest organ display trailer anywhere in the world. (Top) The trailer with its Volvo tractor unit. (Left) The roof has been raised from its travelling height and the organ’s carved work has been erected. The front flap covering the wheels has yet to be lowered. The curtains then slide into place on electric tracks.