Concert with Bottom Reservoir

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Manufactured in large quantities, surpassed in number only by the Gem Roller Organ, is the Concert roller organ. The early models may be recognized by the single large bellows board visible on the bottom. Unlike later concerts, these early instruments use exhauster bellows mounted above a large reservoir bellows. Often, an ornate wooden baffle also covers the valves, mellowing the sound and providing a cosmetic covering. Stencils commonly include the title “Concert Roller Organ”, or simply the single word “Concert”. The Concert differs from all the earlier designs in that the case is larger than absolutely necessary, expanded to present a more substantial image in order to appeal to those persons who could afford “quality”. Likewise the oak or walnut varnished cases are a step above the dark finish of the Gem Roller Organ. The top of the case not only includes a large glass in the front swell lid, but a rear swell lid which reveals an instruction sheet. Unlike other models, the rear swell may be easily opened and closed while cranking. Mechanically, the early concert is a quite powerful machine, sporting twin dualacting exhauster bellows. A huge 14-1/2 x 11 x 4 inch reservoir bellows is on the very bottom. With the offset crank driving the exhauster bellows in a 90-degree overlapping tandem motion, the extremely smooth and strong airflow provides a beautiful sound. Although only produced for a few years, the Concert with bottom reservoir is probably the pinnacle of 20-note roller organ design.

The early Concert roller organs may often be identified by an ornate wooden “baffle” which covers the valves.