12 Days of Christmas

This is Bob from across the 'pond' with his home built organ.

It is to the John Smith design the same as mine.
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" Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"

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A time for some Christmas organ music perhaps?

Draaiorgel 'De Jantjes' plays Rudolph.

Arrangement: John van Kleef

Piano roll production at QRS Music

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An interesting video I came across the other day showing paper roll production on a large scale.
I of course can only punch one hole at a time, which is why it usually takes me two days!
I can however punch two or three copies at the same.
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On Arranging and Punching

Sage was inquiring about how I go about arranging and punching the organ tunes.

Here are a few links back down this blog to various posts.

Which-twenty-six-notes

Arranging-part-1

Arranging-part-2

Using-midi

Hole-punching

Production Halted

Delta Queen Calliope Music

A sister sternwheeler to the sad Mississippi Queen still with a bit of life.

There is a bit more about these boats over on Monkey-organ.

Bell Ringers for the Organ Front

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And here they are, a beautiful pair of 'Bell Ringers'. I have dropped the word 'Lady' because several people have suggested they look more like boys?!?

Well.....principal boys from show biz perhaps, but with figures like that who cares.

They are 10" high and will really add that finishing touch to the the organ.

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Playing the John Smith Universal 26

A five rank "John Smith" sounding very nice.
Same design as mine but with an extra rank of 'violin' pipes at the rear. He has a problem though.....they are too long and will stick out through the top of the case!

Hurdy Gurdy Duet

Cecilia and Scott at the Youlgreave gathering 2008.

Jesu Joy of Man's Desire on Autoharp

An arrangement of a baroque classic on diatonic autoharp in the style of Bryan Bowers.

Only one problem......The sound is out of sync. with the picture! Blame You-Tube.

Peter, Paul and Mary

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Just the way I remember them.

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Peggy Seeger - First time ever I saw your face

The Organ gets an Airing

"The time has come the walrus said to talk of many things."

Not of sealing wax, but of how to get the organ out of the front (music) room, through the house, out the back door, down the side 'entry' across the front and into the car!

The reason for this unusual route, is that I have about eight steep steps from the front door!

The organ has its own 'playing' trolley which puts it at the right height but is not ideal for moving it around in the house. Why? It is too wide and won't go through the doors on its wheels.

I therefore have made a lower and narrower one to get the organ on this devious route.

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It is based on one I bought but with a wider base added and small strips to stop the organ sliding about.

Will it fit?

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Yes....."perfeck".

Now out to the garden.

I have just bought this 'cracking' tent from fellow organ grinder, Dennis, who has opted for a new smaller and lighter one, but this one should suit me down to the ground.

Well......there she is, out in the fresh air for the first time!

I had to give it a good cranking to see how it sounded. I have been told they sound quieter in open air compared to being indoors.

I was very pleased.....the old girl sounded great (to me.....I can't speak for the neighbours).

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And a closer look, now that I have the Henley painting in place.

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And a chance to see the plain(er) front in place.

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And its picture......this time of a pump mill on the Norfolk Broads.

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You will probably need to click on the pictures if you want a closer look.

But please......not too close!

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