Organs (cinema, theatre, church, etc)

Hi Sir, I haven't watched it yet, but I've had conversation with Helen about it.

Hi all, Not a cable in sight! I'm in two minds whether to post this elsewhere, as it's in my home, but for now I will go with the "ECT". Our chapel organ is connected to the chapel piano, where the piano is simply a phantom piano, helps lead the singing. At home, I now have my Ringway organ connected to Michael's piano. It's not coupled as a phantom piano. It's coupled using the intelligent orchestration of the Ringway. It means that it is enhancing the orchestral range, which does of course includes the basic grand-piano. Whilst the piano selection can override the Ringway, it's so lovely, even the fact that there's a slight distance in the sound source distribution. Nothing loud, just relaxed atmosphere. I hope my neighbour agrees.

Where's puss?

She's now enjoying all of the songs from "Cats". She can't get close enough!

Hi all, Puss obviously enjoys music, or is it the cushion?

If you get it wrong she'll let your bottom know.

Hi all, Sorting stuff, I've come across over a dozen of these Busker books we called them. Just the melody line, words & chord suggestions. Not full conventional music. That wasn't needed for band or dance playing. I just needed the melody. Most of these were bought during the mid seventies. I didn't buy any more, because once the eighties arrived, so did videos. I practised to them, for the likes of Lloyd Webber, or the pop scene of the eighties. It was that era where I was moving away from piano to theatre organs. Pussy still musical! Without exaggeration, I've not been so thrilled with an instrument like this & the piano. Right up to Pam's illness, I've played Lowery orchestral organs which are fabulous, but costing ten-twenty grand, plus dedicated Haupweark theatre organs, but none as easy to use as what I have here.

The ability for instruments like that (very complex computers basically) to emulate any instrument fascinates me. Not to mention their versatility in turning a melody into any kind of music style from tin whistle jig to full orchestra symphony.

Hi all, I've recently learnt that that our Gaumont cinema organ has been successfully moved to its new location in Bilston town hall. Full installation is proceeding as planned. I've no pictures to publish yet, but it's looking so good.

A picture of the Gaumont organ. In my mind's ear, I can still hear my Uncle Milton playing that. As a guest organist, he played at Pam & my wedding. Did he make that chapel reed organ sing? By heck he did! The reeds were running hot by the end of the service. He could match any classic organist as well as music in general.

Hi all, Work proceeding well with the restoration of the Coventry Gaumont Compton Organ at Cannock Chase. , Clay Hall Compton Whilst the above 15 minute clip was never the style of any of the organists who played the Gaumont Compton that I ever heard, the sounds put me inside the cinema. It's an almost identical spec.

Hi all, I attended Specsavers earlier this week, for an audioligist sort out of my very poor hearing. Enough wax for umpteen skips. Whilst this is a Phily topic, it's far more relevant to my organ subject. I'm hearing sounds that just weren't on my radar before. I'm now having to adjust all of my pre-set settings, not just volume but content balance. It was certainly worth every penny of the fee for the procedure. I did have free NHS syringe treatment nearly ten years ago, but nothing in comparison to this suction treatment on Tuesday. It was only because my left ear had shut up shop completely in Feb that forced the attention. That showed just how waxed up both ears were.

You have my sympathy, Phillip! I've had similar experiences. I had the syringe treatment a few months ago and suddenly I could hear the high and low lights of the songs I was playing on my weekly Community FM jazz programme. They could have made Christmas candles from the stuff that came out of my ears! No wonder a muso like you were grateful!

Oh, OMG, you will have us all queueing now to get ours done.

Hear-ear!