The Organette Book by Kevin McElhone
(440 pages - 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches; a publication from MBSGB)

Now in stock for immediate shipment.

This limited edition of The Organette Book contains over 700 plates, many in color, illustrating some 560 different makes, types and models of organette plus important historical adverts and documentation. Most of the illustrations were taken by author Kevin McElhone and have never been published in a definitive work such as this. The plates are supported by a comprehensive text, indexed A-Z for easy reference by either make, model or by name of owners and agents. The Organette Book is the story of the organette, defined as a small, hand-operated, portable reed instrument. The book is an historical account intended for anyone with an interest in all forms of mechanical music as well as a reference work for novice, collector, expert, auction house or prospective purchaser. Instruments not quite fitting the definition are included rather than excluded.

It is possible that many of the illustrations have never been published in a work such as this. Much of the books content has been derived from material contributed by collectors from around the world or from prime sources. Our technical editors and contributors revealed many instruments previously unrecorded in reference works on mechanical musical instruments.

Book contents include:

List of Contents Foreword and Thanks What is an Organette? A Family Tree Details of Organettes Novelties and Toys Comparison of Scales Identification of Music Identification of Instruments Tides made and Tune Lists Storage of Music Speed of Music through Instruments

List of Makers, Agents and Retailers Makers of NEW Rolls, Books, Cobs, Boxes Catalogues available Musical Societies catering for this interest Museums where they are demonstrated Finding an Organette Restoration Sources Table of Organette Models Original Cost of Purchase Patents Terms used Index of Illustrations