My Second D.W. Karn Organ Restoration Project

Official organ website - http://www.rodneyjantzi.com/karn2/ - On May 7, 2011, my wife and I went for a drive to the other side of Toronto to purchase another Karn organ that was sitting unused in a lobby of a church.

After working on it for almost a week, I repaired it enough so that it would at least put out some tone - and I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome, even with the grunts, groans and moans from the treadles and exhausters.

It was suggested that I play a piece before I start the disassembly for the restoration, so here it is.

The organ has 19 stops, 318 reeds including Harp Aeoline and Sub Bass. There are 5 ranks in bass and 5 in treble, with a G#/A break. Serial# 62472. The date is not yet known for sure, but would probably be after 1908.

The hymn tune I am playing is called "Holy Manna".

Category:

Music

Tags:

• karn
• reed
• pump
• organ
• rodney
• jantzi
• holy
• manna
• hymn

[autoharp2005]

What arrangement of this hymn did you use? Or did you just adapt it yourself? Very nice!

[rodneyjantzi]

@autoharp2005 - Thanks! I just used my hymnbook and adapted it to suit the "Harp Aeoline" stop on the bass side of the organ. The hymnbook does have a nice arrangement on it own though. Thanks for commenting!

Rodney

[ZaneCCooper]

I was curious to know the name of the song you used to demonstrate the instrument. Thanks!

[rodneyjantzi]

@ZaneCCooper - the hymn tune is called "Holy Manna".

[HengistMaxwell]

Another terrific reed organ video, even with the Karn organ not yet restored fully! I'm looking forward to hearing it more in the future. You are the master of the reed organ here on Youtube, bar none.

Has something happened to the Berlin reed organ? I noticed that you have the Berlin's action and reed pan out on a stand.

[rodneyjantzi]

@HengistMaxwell - I see you noticed :-)

The Berlin was in the shop for some work on the keyboard and tuning of the 16’ treble rank. It feels and plays much better now, with an even key dip and less chatter when the keys are released.

All the best,

Rodney

[ChucklesKeys]

WOW, what a great sounding organ. I agree that the tuning is really sweet and pure, in very good tune. Great job, Rodney!

[DeusMisereremei]

A great work! Well done! Congratulations!



[MrMinathecat]

I have to say, of all the reed organs I've heard here on Youtube, this D.W. Karn holds the most appeal for me! When I imagine myself as a player, well, this is what I imagine myself playing. What a great combination of the delicate tremelo and the really convincing pipe organ-like sound! I may have to hunt one of these down someday....Thank you, I have spent hours and hours on your website since discovering it.

Steve

[Voldemorty2001]

I love the lines of the case. The fallboard has a very aesthetic curvature to it. It does seem, correct me if I am wrong, that there was probably a crest mounted to the back (something to make it tall and fancy in appearance).

[autoharp2005]

@rodneyjantzi What's the name/publishing information on the hymnbook? My mom heard me playing your video and is very interested in playing this arrangement if possible. :-)

[zanattomauro]

Hello friend! I love your videos, mainly for running with harmonium. Harmonioqui also restored in Brazil. God bless you greatly

[rodneyjantzi]

@sk8er1979 - Serious! :-) The tuning is surprisingly good, and I am guarding the reeds very carefully (I made custom ‘rank’ holders for them) while I work on the rest of the organ. Interesting to note that after I made this recording I realized that the Sub Bass was not connected, I can hardly wait to hear this organ when it is done!

Rodney