Cutting Paper Rolls for the 14 Note Organettes

Bob R... in Olcott, NY found out that I was punching rolls for my John Smith 20er organ using templates printed with Midiboek software. He asked for some help in getting started in producing some rolls for his Clariona Organette. Later Edwin M. read the page and asked about rolls in the 14-Note Common format used by his Melodia. Both use the same 14 note scale, but use different paper widths.

The Clariona is one of the many brands of paper roll controlled instruments produced in the 1880-1910 period. It is a 14 note reed organ using an 8 inch wide paper roll with rather large rectangular holes. The Melodia is similar, bur uses a 7.8 (or possibly 7 3/4) inch width.

If you have not done so, would suggest that you read my article "Hand Punching My Own Rolls from Midiboek Templates" from the COAA magazine The Carousel Organ. which describes the punch and my use of it in some detail. The artical, as it appeared in the magazine, is posted as a .PDF file.

While a punch could be made for this format, it will probably be more practical to cut the holes with an X-acto, or similar, craft knife. Classic wisdom is to use a glass sheet as the cutting surface. You can probably cut at least one, and possibly more, layers of "butcher" or "shelf" paper under the template printed on normal 8 1/2 by 11 inch office paper taped into a strip.

The scale for the Clariona, and its close relative the Dulciphone, is shown in the table below. Note that as far as roll preparation is concerned, both Clarionas are the same, but some organs were tuned a half-step higher.

Instrument Notes         2 ft.                       1 ft.
    A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G
Clariona (1) 14 X   X   X X   X   X X X X   X   X X   X   X  
Dulciphone 14 X   X   X X   X   X X X X   X   X X   X   X  
Clariona (2) 14   X   X   X X   X   X X X X   X   X X   X   X
Rolls 8 1/16 inch wide

I have worked up a "Gamma" file which is still a little tentative in nature because I don't have a Clariona, and he hasn't had time to cut from the printouts yet. I think it will work correctly.

The Clariona file is available in text format HERE, and with a .GAM extension HERE. Except for the file extension, the two files are the same. You can download the .GAM files on a PC by "right clicking."

The Melodia file is available in text format HERE, and with a .GAM extension HERE. Except for the file extension, the two files are the same.

I have also arranged or collected several tunes for the 14 note Clariona scale. You can hear or download them from the list below.


Some new Clariona rolls are available commercially from Schmidt's Music Rolls, 6549 Locust Grove Road, Easton, MD 21601 (410) 770-4832 http://www.music-rolls.com/