Band organ back and operating at Grand Carousel

[BoddaH1994]

Check out this ABC22 article about the Grand Carousel:

http://m.abc22now.com/news/Historic_Organ_Returns_to_Grand_Carousel_at_Kings_Island?mobileredirect=true

[MDMC01]

I rode it last night and found it cool that the drum/cymbal combo instrument played along with the music when its cue came.

[electricsun]

My niece and youngest nephew rode it for the first time yesterday. They loved the entire experience and was fascinated by the organ. Unfortnately, I don't remember the organ from my visits in the 80's but I remember loving the ride as a child. I'm glad that this experience continues!

[Aaron88stang]

I rode Sunday and had not yet heard the news it was back. I was very happy to hear it operating

[BlondyRidesOn]

I noticed it was operating a little faster yesterday.

[The Interpreter]

The organ?

How odd.

Literal Terpy

[BoddaH1994]

Also, the first day I saw it, it appeared as though the snare was not working on the left side of the organ. I'm happy to report that it was working yesterday.

[zombiejane]

Not to be a Negative Nancy or anything... but I thought that the carousel sounded pitiful (as of lst Sunday anyay).

I am by no means a carousel aficionado, but I've been to a lot of parks with beautifully maintained carousels that put ours to shame.

Hopefully, KI has plans of a full restoration.

[LongLiveTheSmurfRide]

I heard it when I was at the park on Sunday. I hadn't heard the good news here, but when I was in line I thought that it sounded a bit different. I asked the ride op and she filled me in. She seemed pretty happy about it and so was I. It was great hearing the ol' girl again, though I have to admit, there were a lot of random drum beats here and there not with the music, but perhaps they're still getting some bugs out.

[Pagoda Gift Shop]

I also was at the park this weekend and heard the organ for the first time since its return. While I'm glad to hear it back in action, it definitely didn't sound 100%. The bell/chimes weren't working at all, in fact, you could hear it play one or two of them during parts of a song but no more than that. I hope they continue to fix it up.

[BlondyRidesOn]

I am at the park right now and the organ isn't running.

[OldieButGoodie]

I will definitely check it out - would have gone down over the weekend if I'd know it was operating!

[VortexBFForever]

I was there yesterday and I heard the recorded music instead of the organ.

I was, and still am, hoping to hear the organ again ever since I heard it for the very first time on July 30.

[disco2000]

According to one of the workers at the Carousel, it broke again but is being worked on - no date or anticipated schedule known though.

[BoddaH1994]

It still needed some work. The little splash symbol had a residual rattle, and the calliope didn't seem to harmonize perfectly. I think it was out of tune. Those need to be tuned often, and it's not an easy process. They probably had electricians and carpenters working on it, not experts. This isn't Disney.

[The Interpreter]

Carousel wise, your reference should be to Knoebel's Grove Amusement Resort or Seabreeze.

[raptor]

Knoebel's carousel (and organ) as well as the setting is in my opinion the best ever.

Carousel wise, your reference should be to Knoebel's Grove Amusement Resort or Seabreeze.

[TheCandyManCan]

So, the Wurlitzer isn't playing anymore, but I would bet it's still at the ride location. Will it be properly refurbished this time or no? Does anyone have any comments about it or ask questions regarding it during CoasterStock?

[malem]

It was at the ride, but wasn't operating, during Coasterstock. According to reports from others, it was operating on Opening Day 2015. Hopefully it will be back up later this season.

[Oldiesmann]

I heard that it's still not working properly but is still at the carousel. Hopefully the park will get it repaired soon.

[BlondyRidesOn]

It was operating on preview night. It was playing different rolls of music, however it sounded very off.

[coasterfanatic83]

I marathoned the Grand Carousel on Sunday evening to relax for a bit before ERT, and it was not working at that time. 

Also, the ride-ops did seem a bit puzzled about a 21 year old sitting on the ride for a half hour.

[TheCandyManCan]

I would do something like that if there was a band organ, it's so cool to hear those things play. For now I guess a CD Player will just have to do.

[homestar92]

I just wish said CD player would play recordings of that particular Wurlitzer... Such recordings exist... I have one on an LP...

[OldieButGoodie]

It was running quite recently (about 2 weekends ago) but sounded off. It was a little slow, and had spots where there were syncopated accompaniments but no melody, so something was definitely amiss. It's great to have it operating again though, Hopefully they'll continue to get it back in shape!

[BoddaH1994]

The reeds the calliope probably need to be replaced.

[Creed Bratton]

We had a group ride on Saturday....we asked the ride ops to turn on the band organ and they did! Didn't sound terrible....didn't sound amazing.