How a Restored 1930s Dutch Mechanical Barrel Organ Uses Cardboard Strips to Play Music

James Dundon, aka The Mechanical Music Man, who previously performed an old-timey cover of “Wonder Wall” on Blaujte, his restored 1930s Dutch mechanical barrel organ, took the time to explain how it works. Dunden explained that an electric pulley motor attached to the wheel keeps a pair of bellows moving as the cardboard strips are read to play the pipes.

When a valve opens, compressed air from bellows or another pneumatic system is directed through pipes, producing sound. Different pipes mimic a variety of instruments — flutes, violins, bass trombones — while built-in percussion elements such as bells, drums, and cymbals add rhythm and sparkle, getting toes tapping.

Other Old-Timey Mechanical Organ Music Covers

An Old-Timey Cover of ‘Wonderwall’

An Old Timey Cover of the Oasis Song ‘Wonderwall’ Played on an Ornate Mechanical Dutch Street Organ

via Tom Scott

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.



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