Minshull's 49 key Orchestral Organ

22/10/2021

21/10/2021

We have recently completed major chest surgery on the Minshull organ, after a number of tests earlier in the year we were horrified to discover an increasing number of air leaks between notes.
The only solution was to open up the chest for inspection.
Sadly it was discovered several layers of ply had been applied to the underside of the chest with white glue and channels flooded with lashings of the same on top of the original animal glue, in an attempt to seal the old glue which had shrunk.
In doing this the bars of the chest could not expand and contract naturally and began splitting, leaking air into neighbouring channels.
Had this not had been done there would have been a reasonable chance of saving many of the original bars.

The only solution to give us a reliable chest for the future was to replace all the bars in the chest, so here's the result, there are 62 channels and 64 bars plus 62 crossovers to attach the pallet valves to.
The channels were sealed in a fully flexible and fully reversible animal based product, which is conservation approved and used by museums.
Then calico was applied in the traditional way and sealed with a similar, fully reversible and flexible ph neutral product.

The result has proved extremely successful but put us very behind with the rest of the organ, so only half the pipework could go back in ready for a few outings, not ideal as the action has been unplayed for sometime as well.
However it was an excellent opportunity to start getting the new valve leather well bedded in, something we are unable to do where the organ is stored.
The winter project is to now begin carefully revoicing all the pipework on the correct wind pressure to ensure stable speech, volume and pitch throughout.

27/10/2018

Flashback to 4 years ago, the little organ (then in trailer) did a number of Christmas events and got a lot of attention! Seen here at Devizes Christmas Lights Switch On.

27/10/2018

With the clocks going back, the chill in the air and the darker evenings creeping in - it's the time of year we start to receive a lot of enquiries for Christmas event bookings!

Our two attractive Fairgound Organs particularly come alive at night, with coloured lights giving a warm glow and cheerful music to lift the spirit!
Particularly popular for Street Markets, Garden Centre Openings, Late Night Shopping Events and Christmas Light Switch Ons

19/10/2018

We have recently spent a very enjoyable 4 days at Salisbury Charter Fair.
Last year our 46 key organ made it's debut at the fair, but was having many troubles, having only had the rebuilt action mechanism fitted the week previously.
This year we have visited many events which has enabled us to give the organ many hours playing, which it needed to help settle the action - and identify other problems to rectify!
We are delighted with the public response this year, we have been asked to attend Salisbury Christmas Market and next years Mayor wishes us to return to the 2019 Charter Fair!
This years Mayors Appeal was collecting for The Rose Gale Trust, a local childrens charity, we are hoping to find out the total amount raised by the organ soon.

30/08/2018

The organ at the 50th Great Working of Steam Engines (GDSF) this year.... We had a thoroughly enjoyable show and huge amount of interest in the story of this organ, which is currently part way through redecoration.

02/08/2018

Lots of updates coming soon about the 46 key Organ, a few sneak peeks at whats being happening for now.....