And now for something totally quirky… I’ve featured photos of organs with saxophones, and robots playing saxophone before, but today’s post is an in-depth look at the careful tone and finger-work of some Decap organs.
Decap Brothers is an organ manufacturer from Antwerp, Belgium, that has been in the business of building unique organs since just after the First World War. Over the years their business evolved to include: “roll and book playing orchestrions [sic], fair organs, street organs, dance organs, electronic organs, Robot organs and combination pipe and electronic organs”.¹
Although over the years technology has allowed the organs to evolve, their original intent has remained the same: to provide simple entertainment. Saxophones have been an integral part of that entertainment since 1936.²
I have had a fascination with the saxophone stylings of these Decap organs since I saw a photo and brief video clip of one over a year ago. Then this morning I happened to come across a great video that showed the finger action of one of their Robotic saxophone players, as well as another video that showed us how the saxophone sound had actually been replicated through some if their organs.
If you enjoy both saxophones and robots, you will love this… Enjoy….
Now check out the finger action in this video….
Did you notice the acrylic angel wings on the alto? I wonder if it’s a Keilwerth?
So if you’re looking for the ultimate saxophone collectible, one of these vintage Decap Brother organs might just be it. Now you just need a place to display it!
______________________________________
