Sharp organ

[Joseph Garrett]

Roger,
Since you bi-directed this posting at me, I'll respond.
I was not "after" the Organ Tech!, but his lack of analysis of this
particular church situation. If he had ascertained the ambient temp/hum that
the church is "normally" at and achieved that before the final tuning of the
organ, I think that the organ would have been a little closer to A=440. Part
of the equation hasn't been discussed. Where Jeannie is, is right on the
ocean. I suspect that while the organ tech was installing, etc.  the hall
was kept at a comfortable level for his benefit. Once he finished, the
church went back to it's normal habit of not heating or cooling. IMHO the
organ tech should have a long conversation with the powers that be, at the
church, and emphasize the importance of constant temp/Humid conditions.
There lies the problem. My original comment was too short.(for that I
apologize) The best thing is IMHO to get the organ tech to retune the whole
enchilada while the church is in it's normal temp/humid mode. Then, at least
Jeannie won't have to tune the piano 12-15cents sharp and possibly more. If
the organ "floats" a little sharp and a little flat, with the average at
A=440, then it would be acceptable.
Regards,
Joe Garrett
----- Original Message -----
From: "jolly roger" <baldyam@sk.sympatico.ca>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2001 11:00 AM
Subject: Re: Sharp organ


>
> >>>>  this.  How much slack do we cut pipe organ tuners?
> >>>>  Thanks,
> >>>  Greg Hollister RPT
> >>
> >>>
> >>>IMHO the answer is none. I would recommend that the church contact the
> >>Organ
> >>>Tech and get the organ tuned properly, at his expense.
> >>>Regards,
> >>>Joe Garrett
>
> Hi Greg and Joe,
>                          We write volumes about temp and humidity control
> on this list. Also lots on pitch corrections.
> Our problems are minor compared to the average pipe organ.  A few
examples,
>  as the day rolls along the building gets warmer, heat rises, now the
large
> pipes are way up there in the building.  The temp at the piano may be
> 70degrees, but near the top of the pipe organ 90 degrees is not uncommon.
> Ever tuned one?  <G>  The pitch is constantly in a state of flux, as are
> the rates of changes, from rank to rank.
> Now we make each rank of pipes with a different material.   Percentages of
> zinc to tin. Imagine having a unison, one string of brass, and one of
> steel.  Now that could be fun.
> Now add to the mix some wooden pipes, less temperature sensitive, but Oh
My
> the humidity.  But we are going to complicare it even further, by having
> some open stops and some stopped stops at the same pitch.  Darn the pipes
> that are stopped are half the length. and are a little more stable than
the
> open stops.  mmmmmmmmm the plot thickens.
> But we want some reeds on this organ. Can't get a big Tutti sound with out
> those reeds.  Well many good organist learn how to tune the reed ranks,
> they are that unstable.
> This is a little tongue in cheek, but I think you may be getting the
picture.
> As an old traditional Anglican,  Let's have the Majesty of the organ and
> get rid of the piano.
> If the church can afford a pipe organ of any consequence, 1-5 million
> dollars is not unusual.  They can afford an expert in the respective field
> to maintain it.
> I know proportionally, there are as many bad pipe organs as there are bad
> pianos.
> Leave the pipe organ tech alone.   He may want to pick on your
> tuning/voicing job.  Or alternatively try and work with him.
> Telling the music minister, the organ tech did a bad job is out of line.
> PS I tune and voice both instruments.
> The cat is amongst the pigeons.
> Regards Roger.
>