The organ at St. Andrews Old is a very small organ, but is fascinating for a variety of reasons.

It is a rare example of an unaltered historic organ, the only modification in 148 years (at the time of writing - 2006) being the addition of an electric blower, installed in 1947, and an electric console light. The blower is scheduled to be replaced in 2006, with one which does not contain asbestos as a soundproofing material. The original hand pump still exists and indeed still works.

The builder was one George Maydwell Holdich. Holdich was the son of the rector of Maidwell in the early 19th century, and despite setting up in business building organs in London, built an enormous number for installation in the midlands, particularly Northamptonshire.

Many similar organs of the period are somewhat dull in tone, but the one in Old has the benefit of some bright stops, which give it a "forthright tone". In the hands of a competent organist it can sound like a much bigger instrument than is typical for one of such modest dimensions.

 

It is hoped to raise the necessary money to restore the organ to it's original condition (with electric blower of course) in the near future. The organ works faultlessly, but decay is setting in in some areas and the mechanisms have become very "clattery". The casework has in some areas been somewhat mistreated over the years too, so this too would be repared.

Ted Dean June 2006

Specification
Manuals CC to f 54 notes
Open Diapason Bass 8ft Notes 1 - 12
Open Diapason Treble 8ft Notes 13 - 54
Stop'd Diapason Bass 8ft Notes 1 - 12
Clarabella 8ft Notes 13 - 54
Principal 4ft Full Compass
Dolcan Flute 4ft Notes 13 - 54
Fifteenth 2ft Full Compass
Tierce  1 3/5ft Full Compass
Sesquialtera 2 rks Full Compass
Pedals CC-C 13 notes
Bourdon Pedal Pipes 16ft
Manual to Pedal permanently coupled
3 mechanical composition pedals

Trigger Swell pedal, with all pipework enclosed

 

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