| 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.
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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 |
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| Pedals
CC-C 13 notes |
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| Bourdon
Pedal Pipes |
16ft |
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Manual to Pedal permanently coupled
3 mechanical composition pedals
Trigger Swell pedal, with all pipework enclosed |
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