Thursday, December 27, 2007

This is a unique instrument, The Pipe Organ Harp. These instruments were poplar back in the 20's up through the early 50's. They were used by EMSkinner Organ company, Austin Organs, Moller Organs, Aeoline Organ company and Wurlitzer. This particular Harp is currently installed in the Swell Division of my home Instrument. It was built by Moller Pipe Organ company and was part of a Moller Organ installed in a Methodist Church in Tupalo Miss. The organ was removed and sold to a Episcopal Church in Tupalo and the Harp did not fit. So now it belongs to me. It has been completely restored and has a wonderful rich "harp" sound. This harp does have a feature some do not have and that is it has dampers. It requires 2 stops to operate one is just "Harp" and the second is "Vibraharp". This is the ability to retract the dampers to give the wonderful "Harp" sound. The Bars are tuned 440 and are struck with the piano style hammers. It is a chore to completely restore one of these instruments and if you need some instructions let me know, I can help. Now the future home of this Harp will be in St. Timothy's Episopal Church I attend and will be part of a 30 rank 3 manual 1899 Hook & Hastings Organ that is in the process of restoration. Provided all goes as planned but for the mean time it will grace my instrument.



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