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Why do you build organs that use paper rolls for the
music?
We believe in open standards whenever possible. With the Smith 20 note standard, there are
several sources of music around the world, including us. With other standards, including
solid-state cartridges, there may be only one or two sources. Businesses close down,
people die, and things change. We prefer to give our customers as much flexibility and
security as possible. That is also why our street organs use MIDI files on disk.
A challenge with MIDI organs is the
clicking sound produced by many electronic air valves. We have heard one MIDI controlled
busker organ in which the clicking sounded like percussion accompanying every note!
How durable are your street organs?
If you drop one of our organs, it will break. Other than that, given care in transport and
shelter from the elements, there are very few things that can go wrong with our
instruments
The video that you receive with your organ shows you how to find and lubricate the moving
parts, and how to tune any pipes that need touch-up tuning from time to time.
How often will I need to tune my
street organ?
Our busker organs use very light-weight pipe stoppers, so the common problem of stoppers
settling during transportation is minimized. However, any musical instrument can go out of
tune. We check ours every few weeks if we are performing a lot, but there is seldom
anything to be done. The instruments are very stable.
If you are a performer, what are you doing making organs?
I often ask myself this very question. The answer is that there has been an incredible
demand for our instruments, particularly from performers who have seen mine. We enjoy
building these little beasties, and have the luxury of access to a master organ builder
who acts as consultant on voicing.
How fast do the grinder organs need to be cranked?
Roughly 60-70 rpm. We recommend switching arms from time to time so you don't end up
looking like Quasimodo.
Why are your instruments so much lighter than others I have seen?
The genius of John Smith, who developed the basic design we use for our busker organs.
Rather than using bulky and heavy materials and construction techniques, John came up with
lightweight and yet sturdy components. The result is an instrument that weighs about half
of most comparable grinder organs.
Why does it take so long to get one of your street organs?
Actually, we're keeping up pretty well, with just a 2-3 week backlog. Each of our
instruments is completely hand-made, including the pipes, the crankshaft - everything.
There are roughly 450 individual
parts in each organ, and several hundred hand-finishing processes to put them together
into a Flora & Company street organ. This takes time, but the wait is really worth it.
How can I hear what your organs sound like?
Very soon we will have several sound clips in RealAudio™ format available for you to
listen to online. Check back often!
Do you have a monkey?
About 90% of adults and other people who think they are being clever ask this question,
and to satisfy them and not get into our feelings about the abuse of animals by
performers, I now have a tragically cute 6" tall sock monkey that I keep in my
pocket. You can find kits and finished monkeys of this kind on eBay.
Do you accept tips when you are grinding?
Actually, I seldom just grind. Rather, I use the organ as part of a show or presentation.
Even if I am working a theater queue in an odd moment, I will hold forth on the history of
the street organ, and usually include at least one audience participation number on the
roll I am using. But, to answer your question, I never turn down a tip. To do so is an
insult to the person who is trying to show his appreciation for what I am doing.
More questions? Click here to ask me by
email! |
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