WURLITZER STYLE 146 BAND ORGAN RESTORATION PROJECT (Part 9)
by Dr. Bill Black

The restoration project began in October of 2000. This series will mostly be a presentation of the photos that were taken during the restoration process. We wonąt go into great detail in descriptions since the basic restoration process is similar to that described in the 105 restoration series.

PHOTO A - The snare drum wing is missing the original trim carving. It has been replaced with a flat wood trim which is not carved. I decided to try my hand at wood carving and make a new piece of trim for the side wind. First step was to glue up a piece of wood for the project.

PHOTO B - I used a piece of paper to make an outline for the carving.

PHOTO C - The outline is transferred to the piece of wood and cut out with a band saw.

PHOTO D - The finished carving with a coat of primer. This took quite awhile and I discovered my future as a wood carver is not very bright. But, it looks better than the flat piece that was on the side wing.

PHOTO E - Now that the organ is no longer on the ride and in the work shop, we can more easily change the location of the bell unit in the organ. The purpose is to raise it up to a new location inside the case so the case extension can be eliminated. Years ago, the bell unit was built by Bill Kromer and installed while the organ was on the ride. We can use his bell unit by making a new frame which fits between the trumpets. The board on which the front rank of melody violins are mounted was repositioned upwards just enough to clear the bell unit.

PPHOTO F - The finished bell unit. It is fastened to the board holding the melody violins and the front of the windchest.

PHOTO G - Some more work on the back of the organ case.

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Dr. Bill Black is one of the nation's most knowledgeble Wurlitzer band organ experts. He has made recordings of many band organs and other mechanical music machines which are available for purchase in our Gift Shop .