This photograph, and the following one, shows a 20-note Busker Organ which plays music using 20
separate tuned pipes controlled by a pre punched paper music role.
Many people are intrigued when they see and hear mechanically played musical instruments, in particular
the large and complicated fair organs with their overwhelming impact; the original audiovisual experience.
Most people are content to just sit back and enjoy the experience but some are very fascinated by the workings
of these instruments. Those interested are now helped to make their own organ by using designs published by
John Smith of Flitwick Bedfordshire. John has produced designs for three organs. The John Smith Busker is
the most basic, as shown above, yet with suitable music will give hours of pleasure, indeed the production
of the music rolls is an additional pleasure. These instruments really do give a good sound playing
well-known tunes. John also produces designs for the Senior 20 which is essentially a larger and more
powerful version of the busker. In addition there is a design for the Universal 26 which is a full sized
valved organ playing standard off the shelf 20 or 26 note rolls, with 70 pipes and a Glockenspiel this is
a powerful instrument.
Although mainly a woodworking project the project appeals to model engineers since it does require skill
to produce and there is plenty of scope to apply ones own ideas. The materials used are mostly everyday and
seem to be found in off cuts from other projects.