I AM LOOKING FOR MERRY-GO-ROUND (CAROUSEL) MUSIC AND I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE DIFFERENT MACHINES. WHAT SHOULD I BUY?
If you are looking for traditional merry-go-round music, we recommend either #W153-16 (cassette - $9.95) or #W153-CD16 (compact disc - $14.95). This recording features the Wurlitzer Style 153 Band Organ. The organ has 164 pipes, 16 bells, cymbal, snare drum and bass drum. This organ has the sound which is most commonly associated with the merry-go-round and a great selection old time songs associated with the merry-go-round.
DO I WANT MERRY-GO-ROUND MUSIC OR CALLIOPE MUSIC?
The music for the merry-go-round was usually provided by a machine called a band organ. The music for the circus was usually provided by the calliope. These are two different types of machines with different sounds. If you want to create an atmosphere of the circus, the calliope music is best. If you want the sound of the merry-go-round, choose a band organ recording.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BAND ORGAN AND THE CALLIOPE?
The band organ was created to simulate the sound of a small military band. The organs vary widely in size and musical ability. They generally include a machine which has pipework and percussion effects, such as drums and bells. These were mainly used to provide background music for the merry-go-round.
The calliope was created to attract attention. This machine features brass whistles, commonly 43 in number, which are loudly voiced to permit the music created to carry a greater distance than the band organ. These machines were smaller in size than the band organs and thus easier to move around in traveling shows. The purpose of the loud voicing of the machine was to attract attention to a certain area. The sound of the calliope is most commonly associated with the sound of the circus.
WHY DO I SEE REFERENCES TO THE CALLIOPE IN ARTICLES WHICH ARE ABOUT MERRY-GO-ROUNDS?
Over the years, the term CALLIOPE has been become familiar to the public and is the term most often seen in printed material regardless of whether they are talking about the circus or the carousel. The term BAND ORGAN has not been widely used in this manner and therefore not known to the general public. So, the term CALLIOPE has been used in a generic sense to describe both machines. This situation has blurred the terms and can create confusion when someone is looking for a recording with a certain sound. Also, in some cases, a calliope was actually used on a carousel at the discretion of the operator. Some large traveling carnivals have recognized the advantage of having the increased musical abilities of a band organ to set a certain musical atmosphere for their show and have trailer mounted a band organ to travel with the show.
WHICH CALLIOPE RECORDING SHOULD I BUY?
All the calliope recordings we sell are from a TANGLEY CALLIOPE. So, these will all sound the same. Select the recording according to the songs which appeal to you the most from the CALLIOPE MUSIC section of our on-line catalog. There is also a recording of a Wurlitzer CALIOLA (#SC44-1 and #SC44-CD1). The CALIOLA was produced by the Wurlitzer Company to compete with the Tangley. These were not produced in large numbers as was the Tangley. The sound of the CALIOLA is similar to the Tangley. The CALIOLA most commonly had wooden pipes.
WHEN AND HOW WILL MY ORDER BE SHIPPED?
We always try to ship your order within 48 hours. A large order may take an extra day or two. We usually ship your order by first class mail, US Postal Service. The shipping charge is $4 for the first item and $1 per each additional item to a maximum shipping charge of $5 (special shipping excluded). THIS APPLIES TO ORDERS SENT WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA ONLY. ALL OTHER ORDERS WILL BE CHARGED ACTUAL SHIPPING COSTS.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY ORDER IS RECEIVED?
It is very important to include your correct e-mail address with your order. We always try to confirm an order by a prompt e-mail reply. Also, include your phone number as a back up in the event we need additional information about your order.
