Album Notes

Big Nelly was used by a Carnival from Belleville, Michigan until stored for lack of maintenance. It was purchased by Paul R. Eakins and completely restored.
Big Nelly is a marvelous machine. The original paintings on the front have been preserved. The main body of the organ is painted in colors found under many coats of paint. Big Nelly Military Band Organ was made by the Artizan Factories, Inc., of North Tonawanda, New York around 1928, and bears the serial number 573. She plays from 61 key Artizan rolls. Instrumentation includes: bases, open, octave and contra; wood trombones; wood trumpets; violin; open and stopped pipes in accompaniment and melody; 20 inch bass drum; 14 snare drum, cymbal; and 1 set of bells. This organ also plays solo effects with automatic stops for trombones on, violin on, and all off. When one roll finishes, the other starts playing, and the first rewinds. A fascinating organ that delights all who hear her, for she plays all types of music with ease.
Big Nelly now sits on the Carousel at Disneyland in Paris, France. It is a true American in Paris!