Reeding 101 - Chapter 2 - Pointers for the Reed Organ

[simersonic1]

Hello, could you please tell me what kind of places one would find a reed organ as great (no pun intended) as this? (Besides a family heirloom?) Thanks.

[msctchr1]

This organ has a very full sound. I am interested in eventually purchasing an old reed organ in either mint condition or need of restoration. I would like to find one that has the potential for this rich, full sound. What clues would lead me to this in this search, as many organs in disrepair might not demonstrate this potential?

[rodneyjantzi]

@msctchr1 - In most cases it depends on how many ranks of reeds it has – especially if it has a full 16/8/4/2’ range of pitches in both treble and bass, and a sub bass. Many are fooled by the amount of stops it has – although it is a good sign to have more than 16 stops, you have to be careful that the builder split the keyboard into 5 sections, essentially one stop per octave (avoid these if you plan to play and enjoy it). All the best in your reed organ search!

Rodney

[msctchr1]

@rodneyjantzi

Thank you for the quick response. I have been familiarizing myself with prominent builders of the era. Would you have any recommendations on what builders might have followed these building practices more commonly. I know of Estey, Mason and Hamlin, and Chicago Company.

[rodneyjantzi]

@msctchr1

The builders you listed have a very good reputation putting out quality instruments. I also found that Packards are nice organs to play too. In the area where I live, most are from the Canadian builders, such as Dominion, Bell, Karn - who built good instruments too - but in the end I think it all depends on the sound you are after, as I think every reed organ seems to have its own voice. My favorite is a huge Clough and Warren at the Lee Conklin Reed Organ Museum in MI.

[Zylstra555]

Rodney, you mentioned doing a third chapter and I really, really would like to see it. Especially with where Vox Humana should be used. I am an organist, and on my regular practice pipe organ I have a tremulant - I only use it for varying Gospel Music adding it to the second verse often to give the sound a wider effect. I would love to know how it can be incorporated into classical.

I have nearly all the parts I need to finish repairing my reed organ now.

[c33r0k33]

Could we hear the whole Super Mario piece?

[19dt66]

Awsome videos, love the sound of these beauties. Learned a lot about reed organs. Thanks for the videos. Waiting for #3. Oh, and I LOVE your shirt.

[Zylstra555]

I would love to see Reeding Chapter 3,

[plantmister]

This makes my lil harmonium seem slightly bizzare. (Brought it from a car boot sale, with none of it working). It has one octave coupler, that runs the whole keyboard, and has Melodia And Diapason "swell" shutters on a stop, and then another stop that controls the volume of the other stops, bar the sub bass, which is just loud. Thanks for sharing !

[Belgologies]

I love it a lot ! Thank you so much ! What a great master you are, see you soon ! My Internet will be back soon ...

Amish greetings from Belgium :)

[rodneyjantzi]

A master? :) LOL

Thanks!

[nedopisa]

Great Tutorial!

Thanks so much for sharing!

[rodneyjantzi]

Thank you!