Bach's Short Prelude and Fugue in A Minor # VII (BWV 559) - Berlin reed organ

[was1958]

Brought tears to my eyes. I really would like to get my Mason and Hamlin restored to that level of playability.

[estebansopha12]

Hey Rodney. I love your organ. I have a Parlor pump organ which I want to ahve restored. it is leaking air and needs new hinges for the pedals and needs a spring for the right pedal so the pedal rests in a up roght position when not being played

[Offshoreorganbuilder]

Well done. Excellent performance.

[he214ab]

it must be very expensive when it pushs to the market

[ChucklesKeys]

Did you rebuild this organ yourself? I am going to be undertaking that project soon. I am a piano tech. and have never had experience in reed organs....just accordions, a much simpler arrangement.

[rodneyjantzi]

I did it all myself with some help from some very knowledgeable people at the Yahoo reed organ restoration group. I also followed the instructions that are on the Reed organ Society web site. I was very particular when I restored it, I think the extra time paid off as this organ has been working flawlessly since I completed rebuilding it. On my YouTube home page, I have a link to my website detailing the organ restoration.

[DeusMisereremei]

Fantastic job!!!!! Congratulations! I also play Bach on armonium! Very good work!!!

[MorkaGraven]

Brilliant!

[fordtruxdad]

My, that's very pleasant playing ! I don't think I've heard that piece since I played it in college 20+ years ago. You do quite well to play it without benefit of a pedal clavier! The organ is really beautiful, too. I've enjoyed all of your postings.

[rodneyjantzi]

Thank you very much! It took a little practice to convert the pedals into the left hand (still not perfect) but it is all worth it when people appreciate it :)

[gwynorganist]

are you pedalling or has the organ been converted to blower? fantastic vid

[rodneyjantzi]

Thanks! I am pedaling this organ. I was very particular when I rebuilt the bellows and air reservoir. The extra time was worth it in the end, because it takes very little effort to play. I only start getting a little wobbly when full organ is on and Im trying to play as load as possible

[jupikh]

Thank you! This is a lovely video!

Thanks a lot both for your music and for the splendid instrument.

[rodneyjantzi]

Thank you very much!

[Hammondlover2]

Lovely organ and lovely playing!

[rodneyjantzi]

Thank you!

[BBLoriJ]

Looks like you have a little ghost playing along with you on the left side....I guess that's just an auto bass setting you have. :)

[rodneyjantzi]

lol! You saw my little buddy beside me? Actually, it is the Bass Coupler that does that, to lower the Bass side of the keyboard by another octave. Many are surprised when they see the keys moving by themselves... :)

[pokopikuchan]

Once again, fine playing on a fine RO. Thanks for info on organ. I notice that the very generous specification resembles that of one model of Dominion, made in Bowmanville, Ont. I wonder whether the two makers co-operated? Is the Diapason-Melodia rank fitted with Scribner's Tubes (resonators)? Here in Britain we see lots of Canadian ROs, but Berlin is a real rarity.

Ian

[rodneyjantzi]

Thanks Ian. I always thought this organ had similarities with the Dominion organs, but from what I have read so far, the Berlin Piano and Organ Company was an independent company, producing about 25 organ a week. The melodia/diapason has resonators, but I dont know how close they resemble the "Scribner's Qualifying Tubes". I have not come across any Dominion organ that has one yet, even though I have a Dominion organ in my house. Pictures can be found on my website.

Thanks

Rodney