|
New Guide to Improvements by John Smith |
                |
It is not very often I put pen to paper or even fingers on keys to contact
builders of my organs. I am glad to say that most of them just get on and
do it, often sending a photo of their end products which is always nice.
We have just returned from our first gathering of the year at Little Downham in Norfolk where I took my new and now mostly completed 98 key MIDI . The day was most enjoyable but the best bit was seeing people who only the year before had come as day visitors, but now taking part with their home made organs. The proud builders with their wives, turning away were having a lovely time. I am constantly amazed at the quality of workmanship that I see and also the new skills that the builders find they have when it comes to the decorations, I wish I could produce as good a finish; everything I build tends to be a prototype and this shows. In addition to the totally successful organs there are also a number of less well performing instruments being made. Organ building is an art, so a set of instructions can not be expected to produce a Mona Lisa every time. Over the years I have seen a good number of my organs and have realised the sort of things that are done or not done to impair the performance. Unfortunately when you have just heard the first performance from your first organ it can be so amazing that often weaknesses are not noticed, it is only when you hear a similar organ sounding much better that they become apparent. So for the less successful builders of my smaller organs I have just produced a new document to help sort out weaknesses and get them up to scratch. Primarily written for my Busker design, the information is relevant to all the other organs. So if your Busker is not as good as your mate's then get a copy. This is not a set of modifications, but a step-by-step guide to ensure full performance. There is a detailed set-up procedure for the vital reservoir operation, and a spring to give nigh on perfect wind regulation. Original purchasers of the plans can obtain a copy from me by sending an addressed envelope with two postage stamps giving the original serial number please. Overseas only, will need two international reply coupons or can obtain the info from here.
John Smith - April 2003
This web site is copyright (C) Melvyn Wright and individual contributors |
