In replying to an ex HNB man, I wouldn't wish to cause offence. I have known the Cathedral for many years, even before the organ was rebuilt in 1970. It used to be a delight to pop in, before the 'visitor attendants' became so conspicuous. It is simply that I have never left the Cathedral wishing to 'phone a friend to enthuse about what I had just heard.
The organ has much which is good, particularly in the Swell and Choir. There is an interesting variety of stops in the Pedal, which has a good impact in the Nave. The chorus reeds are lovely - a good variety without anything being out of place. I dislike the Positiv and consider it an unmusical carbuncle. I remember taking my young daughter into the city to hear her first Choral Evensong there. We sat in the choir, from where some of the pedal flues have an unbalanced impact, booming away from somewhere just above the stalls. It was unfortunate that the organist changed the registration with monotonous frequency and no musical rationale, as if trying to find something nice. In the choir the defects in the Positiv are very apparent - it is not suitable for accompaniment unless used very carefully.
I hope the rebuild is successful but it will be difficult to overcome the very strange acoustics of the building, particularly if parts of the organ are still spread all over the place.