So much to love here, Mark! I have never heard or seen one of these but now I feel like I have and I can even smell it - such is the power of your writing!! :)
Thank you for the fun story. And if you're reading this, Capt. Jeff, I'll see you tomorrow night in Greensboro. Look for me. I'll be the balding middle-aged white guy with glasses. That should narrow it down.
What an interesting story! My grandparents who lived in a farmhouse in (believe it or not) Cripple Creek, Virginia had a player piano that I was fascinated with as a kid. I was less fascinated with the outhouse that made festival portapotties look good! But I’m curious—why does a music-making wonderland like the Loft need a self-playing instrument? Just for kicks, ot has it ever been used in a recording? Also, I’d pay good money to see Jeff wrestling that alligator!
My uncle had one of these, or something just like it. I remember playing with it as a kid. Had to be 45 - 50 years ago. I remember the bird sounds from the Polynesian disk.
I worked at Norhtpark Mall in Dallas in the 80’s! I was a manager at The Gap..a miserable right out of college job...but I was sad to see that they tore that mall down. I vaguely remember the music store with the weird organ out front.....
Enjoyed learning about the Optigan. Seems I should have seen one before, but haven't. I think that character building uncertainty is a good idea in this age of apps, especially from vintage items!
The more character-building we get, the better, Boyo! Where would we be when the chips are down if we’ve not built CHARACTER? By trying to figger the ins & outs of LIFE!
So much to love here, Mark! I have never heard or seen one of these but now I feel like I have and I can even smell it - such is the power of your writing!! :)
Thank you for the fun story. And if you're reading this, Capt. Jeff, I'll see you tomorrow night in Greensboro. Look for me. I'll be the balding middle-aged white guy with glasses. That should narrow it down.
“Character-building uncertainty.” ❤️👍🏼 Yep. We do need that. Thanks, Mark. Super-cool piece!
Another winner, Mark! Made me laugh. And I learned something new. Your pieces are pure gold. 💛
What an interesting story! My grandparents who lived in a farmhouse in (believe it or not) Cripple Creek, Virginia had a player piano that I was fascinated with as a kid. I was less fascinated with the outhouse that made festival portapotties look good! But I’m curious—why does a music-making wonderland like the Loft need a self-playing instrument? Just for kicks, ot has it ever been used in a recording? Also, I’d pay good money to see Jeff wrestling that alligator!
Whoa, the Optigan is much larger than I was expecting! I think I would enjoy playing with it.
Captain Optigan would make a good comic book hero.
Gee, thanks for a new rabbit hole….
Mark, you've outdone yourself with this post. Truly evocative writing.
My uncle had one of these, or something just like it. I remember playing with it as a kid. Had to be 45 - 50 years ago. I remember the bird sounds from the Polynesian disk.
Cooler than my old Magnus Chord Organ!
Another great Gear Talkin’. This edition’s takeaways are Movin’ and Lenny Dee. Very choice.
I worked at Norhtpark Mall in Dallas in the 80’s! I was a manager at The Gap..a miserable right out of college job...but I was sad to see that they tore that mall down. I vaguely remember the music store with the weird organ out front.....
Enjoyed learning about the Optigan. Seems I should have seen one before, but haven't. I think that character building uncertainty is a good idea in this age of apps, especially from vintage items!
The more character-building we get, the better, Boyo! Where would we be when the chips are down if we’ve not built CHARACTER? By trying to figger the ins & outs of LIFE!
My parents had one kinda like this. I wasn’t allowed to touch it, and it got left behind when we moved cross country. Such is life. ❤️❤️