Classic car man

In short, different resistances means different strengths. You don't always need a sledgehammer to crack a nut so lower strength magnets (which are generally cheaper (always an important factor for organbuilders)) can be used depending on the particular requirements. Lower magnet strength also reduces the load on the transmission which is very important. As Colin says, making magnets is no mean feat and one which I would not undertake. There are a number of supply houses around the world and so if finances permit, I would go for a ready made solution. If finances are tight, many organbuilders have boxes and boxes of secondhand stuff lying around - I certainly have!

This reminds me of Dunchurch and Rik Bruggencate, who I think went to jail in the end over it?

The leatherwork of the drawstop machines is in very poor condition so there are a few stops off here and there but other than that, pretty much all of it works and it sounds absolutely incredible. Ian Tracey really shows the organ off to its fabulous best at his monthly recitals. Certainly worth contacting the Hall about booking it. If I'm free, I'll show you round inside it!

I was waiting for the car horns to make an appearance and wasn't disappointed. I always felt the flue voicing was a little raw, grating even after a while, but this recording makes it sound a little too smooth - perhaps it is partly to do with where the mics are placed but I look forwards, very much, to hearing it in the flesh.

Andy Scott to be next MD of H&H

Just because the Cathedral has been low key about this, David, doesn't mean my post was inaccurate, but yes, this appointment is confirmed, else I wouldn't have posted to the group! Notwithstanding personal contact, this from facebook a couple of weeks ago: Choral Eucharist at Liverpool Cathedral is at 10.30am and will be sung by the boys’ girls’ and adult voices of the Cathedral Choir, directed by newly appointed Director of Music, Stephen Mannings and accompanied by Ian Tracey, Cathedral Organist.

Internal appointment of Stephen Mannings to DOM at Liverpool Cathedral following Lee Ward's departure last year.

I am afraid £60k won't touch the sides for a complete restoration of an organ, including flooding the soundboards, releathering the action motors, releathering the reservoirs, releathering the drawstop machines or replacing with solenoids, fitting a new transmission and capture system, generally updating the console electrics (drawstop solenoids, contacts etc), repiecing the pedal sticks . . . . . the list goes on and on! Certainly any work done should last the test of time, however when work is done on an organ, it is often labelled as an overhaul or restoration when, in reality, the work was actually quite narrow in its scope. The only way to know for sure is to get hold of the contract/schedule of the work done and perhaps ask the local DOA for advice or ask another Organ Builder to come and inspect the organ. Blown air heating systems are dreadful things and can make trying to tune tricky. Adrian

If you have a silk purse from the outset, the end result is somewhat different to starting with a sow's ear and both Guildford and Chester have outstanding material as the heart of each instrument. At Chester, some of the R&D additions/work is well done, but some is a bit rough and ready, IMHO. As part of the DWOB work at Guildford, lots of leatherwork was done - reservoirs, actions, etc. and the Choir division spec was tweaked along with lots of other little bits and pieces here and there. The console received a lot of attention with the woodwork being re-finished in its original white oak style, a new piston system fitted and the layout of the stops & pistons rationalised. Adrian

I wouldn't miss the notes from a playing point of view. Is the chest by Hunter as well? If the chest had been 32 notes I'd have said get two new top notes made (it wouldn't be that expensive) but if the chest is 30 notes, keep the compass 30. Adding a two note chest or borrowing from somewhere else would spoilt the integrity of the instrument IMHO.

Organ Builders are not usually allowed to carry out mains electrical work. Whilst any changes/additions to mains electrical installations may be specified by Organ Builders, it is generally the institute in question which is in charge of engaging contractors, arranging for the work to be carried out and signing it off. Likewise with regard to Transmission and Capture systems, the Organ Builders may specify some of the details but will buy them from specialist manufacturers. The manufacturer of Worcester's transmission also supplied systems to St. Paul's, a year or two earlier I believe, and I understand that their system was not without problems either. St. P's threw in the towel a few years ago and replaced theirs with a system by a different manufacturer so if Worcester are having problems with or replacing their system, I think it should reflect on the manufacture not the Organ Builder.

I can't remember all the details off-hand but I am sure many of the 32' pipes at SGH were replaced in either 1896 or 1931 as they were cast-iron iirc. At any rate, behind the current fronts is an elaborate system of springs and hooks to help support the weight of the pipes. I am sure I have a photo somewhere which I will try and dig out. Adrian

I have hardly missed a recital here for the last 30 years and every one has had a very respectable number in the audience, although in this Great Space where the capacity of each area is so huge, even respectable numbers can look thin! The Well, as the Nave is known, is an important part of the building. It is used as a stand-alone space for concerts, services and exhibitions as well as overspill seating for major services and concerts. The Palm Sunday service starts off here and moves into the main space, and Maundy Thursday services are usually held here to name but two. A large toaster provides service since the planned Bridge Organ never materialised. When this area is in use as overspill for services and concerts, screens (and sound re-inforcement) are set up so that the people can have an idea what is going on half a mile in front of them! Certainly for the major Christmas services every part of the building is full - Well, Transepts, the lot, and last year two sittings of Christmas Eve afternoon were needed. I have sung at many incredible services and events in this wonderful place but the Darkness to Light service, (Advent Sunday) where the Choir gradually processes from West to East and ends up on the Altar steps looking West, with a Cathedral full of candles held by the congregation, is the most magical sight. Adrian

David's playing was astonishing and his mastery of the music quite amazing. The organ sounded fabulous and he really threw it around the building all night, so much so that top g# of the solo tromba blew out of its boot - I found it lying on the passage board when I tuned today!

Yes there are a number of local options, in particular the system made by A J & L Taylor. Presumably there was enough pressure once upon a time so what has changed? Fitting an electric machine is a very involved process indeed, both at console and job end - which organ builder looks after the organ, surely this is for them to organise?