See below for other information on this revolutionary instrument!!

In 1996 John Smith of Flitwick advertised a set of revolutionary organ plans in the magazine of the British Organ Grinders Association. The plans detailed the construction of a small 20-note busker organ which could be built for less than $300. Unlike the few complicated amateur designs that were already available, this organ was specifically designed so that anybody with the minimum of skill could build it, using readily-available materials from the local DIY superstore!

John went out of his way to simplify the design as much as possible, abandoning many traditional organ builders' techniques, and incorporating new innovative methods of construction. The finished organ was not meant to be as durable or refined as a professional organ, but it would provide the enthusiast with something to do for a few weeks, and he would end up with a working organ for a fraction of the price of a commercially-built instrument.

Since then, hundreds of John Smith organs have been constructed by enthusiasts all over the world. The published plans did not provide details of a case, which has resulted in the appearance of organs of all shapes and sizes. Many builders have used 'proper' organ building materials and ended up with an organ which is on a par with a professional model.

One compromise which had to be made with the design was the use of non-standard music rolls. To simplify the design as much as possible, John decided not to include pneumatic valves in the organ. This means that the holes in the music roll have to be bigger than normal, in order to supply enough air to the pipes. Precision punched music rolls are now available for the organ.

Construction photos of the John Smith organ...and other things!