As some of you may be aware, I am interested in the hybrid instruments of the 1920s which were installed in cinemas but showed close relation to their church-organ origins. Many are described as 'Orchestral' organs, and show an curious mix of innovation and conservatism.
I recently acquired some early stop tabs (courtesy of David Pinnegar, of this parish) referring to departments 'Grand', 'Orchestral' and 'Pedal'. They appear to match the stops for Fitton & Haley orchestral organs, but have detail differences to those on the Ikley Essoldo organ. Did any other organ builders use this terminology?
Should anyone have any percussion tabs in a lurid green colour or reeds (especially Vox Humana) in a transparent yellow, please let me know. I seem to have about half a set of tabs for an early organ and guess somewhere, the remainder is lurking.
Regards, Simon.
Dear Simon
I wish I knew where the rest were - I bought them from a retiring organ builder in Derbyshire.
Have you cleaned them up yet or retained the dirt as "authentic"?!!!
Best wishes
David P
David,
They cleaned up a treat with a little 600 grit wet & dry. The staining was only superficial and the flues are now a soft ivory colour.
Returning to the original question though, does anyone recognise the department names of 'Grand' & 'Orchestral'? I'm not sure where to look to back up my assumption that this may have been unique to Fitton & Haley.
Simon.