Wednesday, January 27, 2010

ABC Wednesdays - B for Barrel Organ

I spotted Chris Macdonald playing his barrel organ at Hahndorf during the Tour Down Under. As he cranks the handle, folding cards are pulled through rollers. As air passes through holes in the cards melodious tones are generated; it takes a steady hand to maintain a uniform tempo.

When I researched this instrument I found a description of it on Colin Herring's website.

The ABC Wednesday meme was initiated by Denise Nesbitt. To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see other participants' contributions click here.

11 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Fantastic shot for the day, Gordon! Haven't seen one of those in years!!! Fun! Have a great day!

Sylvia

wilbo43 said...

The only thing missing is a small monkey!

Bradley Hsi said...

Fascinating piece of musical instrument. Thanks for sharing.

Jama said...

That is one antique machine! I don't think I've anything similar here.

photowannabe said...

I have never heard of an organ like this one. How the sound comes out is fascinating. Thanks for posting an interesting picture and explaination.

luna said...

I like your story to this photo ... tough shot but you did great!

Rune Eide said...

Nice on! It is a long time since I have seen (or heard) one of these. They create a great atmosphere.

lv2scpbk said...

I've never seen one of those. Thanks for sharing.

On behalf of the ABC Wed. team, thanks for playing.

Roger Owen Green said...

Yeah, I was looking for the monkey too!

Donna said...

How neat!! Love the blue painted flowers on front!!
hughugs

Tumblewords: said...

I've never seen one of these but when I was very young we had a player piano which must have operated on the same principle. Interesting post!