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Messages - wjoefox

#1
Not quite the forum for it, I know, but perhaps this might be of interest to someone here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Organ-with-full-32-note-pedalboard-/252027814877?
#2
Organs wanted / HNB Chester
July 12, 2014, 08:51:22 PM
Hi all,

I'm on the hunt for a Hill, Norman & Beard 'Chester' organ (or similar) for a friend's home. If anyone is aware of such an instrument looking for a home, please let me know. Unfortunately we missed out (by a week) on securing an example in pristine condition.

Thanks.
#3
Organs on eBay or for urgent sale / Willis on eBay
July 08, 2014, 11:53:42 PM
Really delightful (and slightly unusual)-looking Willis as eBay item  no. 151349145513. This must be worth rescuing?!
#5
Hello,

I wonder what your thoughts are on Walker 'Positif' extension organs. Are they generally reliable and well-made, or are they to be avoided?! Do they have any common faults which are checking before buying?

Many thanks.
#6
Organ building and maintenance / Soundboard wanted!
February 04, 2012, 07:33:42 PM
Hi all,

I am just wondering if any of you have a spare soundboard which would hold 8' flute pipes (suitable for a chamber organ). If so, I would be really grateful to know. I am considering thinking about building a continuo organ of some kind again, but the soundboard design is far too difficult for me.

Many thanks,
wjoefox.
#7
Hello all,

I'm having a house organ moved into my home by an organ builder in the next few weeks.  :) The tracker action of the instrument is very firm, and is not suitable for Widor's Vth for example, or other fast passages.
What are your opinions on having the action lightened when the organ is moved? Is this possible? Would it be beneficial?

Many thanks,
wjoefox.
#8
I realise how often many members of this forum check the IBO redundant organs list, however this organ is now a more urgent case, and is surely something a cut above some of the other instruments which are redundant - it was only built in the 1970s, and so is still in very good condition! I was looking at the organ as a complete solution for home practice, but my circumstances are not going to allow such an investment for a while yet. Hopefully someone will act to save it, before it becomes an SOS...

Redundant Organ in the former premises of Newham Academy of Music, Wakefield Street, East Ham, London E6 1NG

This two-manual (4½ octaves) and pedal (2½ octaves) light tracker instrument was made by Thomas Mander from two dismantled organs. The date of the new build is probably 1972, but the date of the older instruments is not known.

SPECIFICATION
Pedal El
16' Bourdon

Great: Tr
8' Open Diapason
8' Gedact
8' Flute
4' Principal
4' Stopped flute
4' Flute
2' Fifteenth
1 1/3' Larigot

Swell: Tr
8' Gedact
8' Salicional
8' Trompette
4' Gemshorn
Tremulant

Couplers: Tr
Swell to Great
Swell to Pedal
Great to Pedal
(Balanced swell pedal, radiating, concave pedalboard)

Approximate dimensions:
Width 2.8 metres; Depth 3 metres; Height 3.4 metres (the organ stands in a small hall currently)

Observations
The action is light, and so would be suited to practice, and there is a wide range of tonal colours provided in the full complement of stops. There is no formal casework, much of the instrument is uncased. The console looks to be very comfortable, and well laid out with drawstops. The tone is rounded and the response is consistent. Currently situated in a well regulated small hall.

Contact details:
As far as I know, the first point of contact is Sylvia Sayer of the Newham Academy of Music: sylvia.sayer@newham-music.org.uk; I have also communicated with their Chief Exec, who has been very helpful. Sylvia will be able to provide photos and more details (though if you would rather contact me just for some photos, please do PM). The Academy have moved out of the building, and it now belongs to the council, who clearly, wish to remove the organ as soon as possible, I understand - though I can't take responsibility for any information shared here.
#9
Just for the interest of other members, before this listing ends on Tuesday, here's some more information about the Richardson, which is located in Clarkson Street Free Church Ipswich. I made contact with the church about it, but it turns out that it's not going to work for my particular situation. It needs to be removed within the next month.
Other than the useful info on eBay, I thought I'd share what the church contact said:
Quote
We are informed that the organ was used regularly and tuned/serviced up to about 10 years ago. Use of the organ over the past 10 years has decreased to the extent that use over the past 5 years has been very occasional.
Our church has just acquired the building in which the organ is housed from another church whose congregation has dwindled to a handful. All we know about the organ is what we have been told by the present trustees of the outgoing church and their knowledge is limited. For that reason we are not in a position to offer any warranties. As indicated on ebay, the instrument is 'in playing condition' and 'sold as seen and heard.' The starting bid quoted reflects that.
Two organ builders from different local firms have inspected and played the organ the last month and both expressed the opinion that it's an O.K. instrument. One of them used the word 'bargain' and was keen to recommend it to a client, the only problem being that the client could not take it within the time window we require. The blower is very old and noisy but these guys indicated the there would be no problem with replacing it at modest with a newer, quieter model.

As well as the good pictures on eBay, I have been sent some more of the sides, which I will happily forward by PM. They show just how shallow the instrument's footprint is. It really would be an excellent small option for someone perhaps as a house organ, with some modifications. With the addition of a 2' on the Great, one would have an acceptable Plenum, without mixtures.
Should you need a contact, please PM me, and I will swiftly put you in touch with the church. Let's try to save this!
#10
Reed organs and harmoniums / Re: A Unique Museum
September 10, 2011, 03:49:14 PM
I can vouch for Tony's recommendation - the Saltaire Museum is well worth a visit, even for someone who might not consider themself a reed organ fanatic!
#11
Restoring pipe organs / How much for a new organ action?
September 10, 2011, 03:46:43 PM
Hi all,

I've been thinking about a church near me with small financial resources. The organ is in need of a totally new action only - the rest of the organ (pipework etc.) is in excellent condition.
Before I encourage them to approach an organ builder for a formal quotation, I wonder if any of you could advise me on what you would consider a sensible price for a new tracker action, with totally new materials. The organ is 2 manuals and pedal; and has 8 speaking stops, 3 couplers. I know of too many churches who have not had the best value from organ builders in restoration work, so I want to see what you all think!

Thanks,
wjoefox
#12
Organs wanted / Re: Practice Organ Parts - needed
August 19, 2011, 10:09:43 AM
I hope that I have found a satisfactory solution overnight!
The organbuilder who would supply me with pipework is taking delivery of some more organs for use as parts. I've asked him to save me 8' 4' 2' flute ranks from an organ of my choice, and it's likely that I will choose Swell, or even better, Choir pipework to conquer the loudness issue.
I'll be back for suggestions on the specification after I've found out where these pipes are coming from, but until then, would I be more sensible putting a metal or wooden (diapason/flute?) 2' in the mix with a wooden 8' and 4'?

Thanks,
wjoefox
#13
Organs wanted / Re: Practice Organ Parts - needed
August 18, 2011, 08:53:47 PM
Many thanks to you all for your suggestions.
There is plenty of time for me to plan a good specification with good quality pipework. There are, however, various boundaries which I must work within.
I mentioned in my original post that I would like this arrangement (still tracker!):
GREAT: 8' (always on), 2'
SWELL: 8' (always on), 4'

Ideally I would like all of the salvaged pipework to be from one builder alone. However, this doesn't seem to be possible. I have two options here:
1) Conacher - Lieblich Gedeckt 8' (on Gt in a big 3 manual Conacher, so possibly too big), Gemshorn 4' (advice please - no other Conacher 4' rank available), Piccolo 2'
2) Norman & Beard - Rohr Flute 8' (I like RFs!), Principal 4', Conacher - Piccolo 2' (no other N&B 2' available)

...I'm rather nervous about option 1 - it's by the better pipework builder (in my opinion), but the 8' could be too loud, and the Gemshorn is a different choice (but the only option). Option 2 has a mix of builders, but a more standard specification, and possibly less loud.

Just two last questions: can a big Victorian 8' Gt flute be voiced for a house organ? Secondly, is the gemshorn a sensible choice - if it is, I'll go for option 1? Lastly, do you rate Conacher pipework above Norman & Beard?

Thank you!
#14
When I was searching after a chamber organ for a nearby rural Church, I found this one. It looks charming.
I enquired as to its availability, but it had been taken - good news! I think it was to be moved to a church, but I cannot remember where.

wjoefox
#15
Quote from: Barry Williams on February 16, 2011, 04:55:05 PM
In the 1970s there were a number of very small tracker action organs produced like this one, presumably because it was felt that the advantages of tracker action outweighed other considerations.  Hill, Norman & Beard made a very small 'Chester'  for home use.    Osmonds of Taunton made a similar instrument which I found rather more pleasing.

@Barrie Williams; these organs sound very interesting!
Do you know if any examples of the HN&B 'Chester' still around today (or any needing homes?)? I would be intrigued to see an example of a traditional practice instrument. Do you know of any NPOR index references to one?
In addition, if you have any more information about the Osmonds instrument, it would be interesting to hear.
Thanks.

PS: the Walker organ which began this discussion, has now been removed from the owner's home.
#16
Organs wanted / Re: Practice Organ Parts - needed
August 02, 2011, 09:15:31 PM
Quote from: Jonathan Lane on August 02, 2011, 08:57:43 PM
Firstly, definitely go for electric action, because three or four ranks can turn into a very successful unenclosed organ of two manuals and pedals. 
I'm afraid tracker is my preference - the condition of my having a practice organ is that it must be tracker action, similar to the Walker instruments, but I certainly agree with Jonathan's view about getting a more diverse instrument via electric action, for anyone else who doesn't have his/her heart set on tracker action! I've looked and played a few extension organs, and I've not been that keen. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
I'm delighted with how many people are giving their suggestions to help me, it makes it seem a more likely idea all the time!
#17
Organs wanted / Re: Practice Organ Parts - needed
August 02, 2011, 08:10:29 PM
Hi Tony. Thanks for your very kind offer. If the project goes ahead, I will certainly be in touch. Do you have any idea of the dimensions, and the asking price you might put to it?
#18
Organs wanted / Re: Practice Organ Parts - needed
August 02, 2011, 06:32:44 PM
Thank you for the responses...
@diapason: thanks for the suggestion and details. I'd have loved the Walker (though for something less than £8000!), sadly it has been sold, but I think outside of eBay. Thankfully, it has served as inspiration, and a basis on which to build my own. I've also contacted Walkers, and they don't know of any for sale at the moment.
@Holditch: the organ must be tracker, but what you suggest sounds about right, please do send me some photos via PM if you like, and the price would also be good!
@David: will follow up with J Lane. Thanks.
#19
Organs wanted / Practice Organ Parts - needed
August 02, 2011, 02:05:40 PM
Hi,

I've been thinking about a house pipe organ for practice for some time now, and it seems that the best thing for me to do is to construct one with the help of my local organ builder, avoiding excessive costs by doing some of the work myself. Sadly, the weight of many complete redundant instruments (and the height), make saving a complete instrument difficult. I've found some good quality Conacher pipe work to make something similar to the JW Walker Practice Organ (an example is on their website), with two manuals, pedals, and a simple 8' 4' 2' arrangement.
So, I'm trying to source parts from redundant organs, and just work with the organ builder on the actual construction of it. I'm trying to find a pair of redundant organ manuals, a pedalboard, and a blower. This is difficult, though! Does anyone here have any of these parts, or know of anyone who does? I'm loathed to buy new!

Thanks,
wjoefox
#20
This would be quite a good house organ project.
For me, I would have to have a second manual, and since it has been hinted that this isn't an instrument which must be kept in its original state, how would you go about adding a second manual to it?