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What's wrong with the organ?

Over the course of time, much of the console has become unreliable. This has caused distraction and consternation of the person playing. The combination action, the mechanism which allows the organist to cause several stops to be drawn at once, is especially problematic. You may notice this when suddenly one or more notes sound unexpectedly loud. This is a result of malfunctions in the combination action. Much of the organ wiring dates back to its original installation. The pneumatic action system is in dire need of replacement.

Several pipes are leaning severely due to metal fatique and mounting failure. The organ really needs a thorough tonal regulation, especially in the Great. According to Jack Bethards, President of Schoenstein & Co., this will result in a big improvement in the fullness and richness of tone that can be achieved.

The Trumpet should be replaced. The 16' octave is fine, but the top end is not really adequate for an organ of this size or caliber.

The Pedal Bombarde needs regulation, but even more importantly it needs to be re-racked. It is made of a type of zinc that is prone to bend. The pipes need to be straightened and given added supporting racks so that the pipes will not bend in the future.

President Bethards also recommends tonal additions to the organ. Prepare the console and add a small 8' Diapason and 4' Principal in the Choir and either an extension of the Pedal Contrabass to make a large Great Diapason or an extension of the Pedal Bombarde to make a powerful Great solo reed. Another tonal addition would be a 32' stop.

The resulting unreliability decreases the ability of the organist to provide quality leadership to the musical portion of worship services. It also discourages guest organists to perform and offer concerts to the community.