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A band organ
This is a band organ. It is big, it is loud, it
entertains the public and that is what it was made to do. Band organs were
created for entertaining crowds, usually outdoors at fairs, circuses and other
forms of entertainment. Band organs play automatically. This organ, while
Victorian in its style, is manufactured in the 21st century.
Photo and Instrument: Courtesy of Stinson Band
Organ Company
110 Key Gavioli Band Organ
Photo
courtesy of the Trager Collection
This organ was imported by Gavioli's New York City Bond Street office. It was
the largest Gavioli imported to America in the old days. It is the style
extra-powerful. The Gavioli was first used in New York City's huge Lenox Lyceum
Roller Skating Palace. It was then sold by Louis Berni to Euclid Beach Park,
Cleveland, Ohio for use in their 20,000 square foot roller rink. In 1910 they
paid $15,000.00 for it. It remained in this park for over 50 years. The 110
Gavioli comprises the full chromatic compass of a 100 piece concert band from
its 21 bass and contra-bass notes to its highest piccolos. The instrument weighs
4 tons and has over 1000 pipes. It is the only original Style 110 key Gavioli
known to exist.
Music on folded Cardboard "Books" ...
Band organs originally usually use book music, folded
sheets of heavy paper punched with holes, to tell them what notes to play
(courtesy of Joe Lavacchia)
... or Music on Paper Rolls
Around the 20th century paper rolls were used. Two spools were employed so one
could be playing while the other was being rewound or changed, giving you
continuous music. This is the back of a Wurlitzer carousel organ (courtesy of
Joe Lavacchia).
Band organ figurine
Band organs are often decorated with figures
like this one.
Photo and Instrument: Courtesy of Stinson Band
Organ Company
Dance hall organ
Before the disco, before the jukebox, there was
the dance hall, with music provided by the dance hall organ.
Carousel organ
This colorful organ provides the cheery music
enjoyed by carousel riders (and everyone else around.) If you happen to pass
through Mansfield, Ohio you can see an organ of this type at the Richland Park
Carousel.
Photo and Instrument: Courtesy of Stinson Band
Organ Company
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