now this is an organ...

V.

the housing looks 30s, (in that, wasn't the future wonderful 1939 type style) the keyboards themselves might be that old too, because the pull stops built into them look that old and older, but the stop switch horseshoe looks a LOT newer. my guess it was added on or replaced the original (looks 60s). also looks like there might be a tube type amp down by the pedals of 40s or 50s vintage.

my guess is its been mercilessly tender loving modified over the years.

We're rebuilding the Glasgow Paramount Compton (1934) here in Indiana. Our console is the french-capped wooden version, 4-manual (top manual originally just a coupler). Originally it had 10 ranks of pipes but we're expanding to 15, though of what we do have maybe 4 ranks are original. We've been spending the last few months releathering all the chests and reservoirs, but are waiting on new valve pallets from the UK. http://ncwdigital.files.wordpress.c...../img_35581.jpg

Looking at this, I would say this console has little alterations. 8 pistons-per-manual (even double-touch style) is very 1930's, and most consoles that are rebuilt expand up to 20 or more. Stop rail is typical compton white and orange/red, and the surround color changer tabs are kinda cool (though a major waste of space when doing a unified or expanding spec!).

Organ is the ex organ from the "State" Cinema in Dartford, surround being from the Odeon Kingston Upon Thames. Fabulous organ although the museum don't get as much use out of it as they should, though this is in part down to the dodgy relay system the organ uses...

Went down to play for visitors recently when visiting the area, it infact plays a virtual organ at the moment untill the Compton pipework and chests are restored, they are all in there ... Just not working. The relay died a death when I was playing, so had to wheel out the Hammond, could be such a nice instrument but ... hmm.

I know how much you hate that relay system!

Nothing, has ever been altered on this organ other than the Console, once clad in a nasty 70s wood effect whilst it was in Gunton hall, the original surround disposed of in the Cinema, and the relay system. Otherwise everything is original.

I bet its pretty awesome when lit.

The Surround is from my console (the Ex Odeon Kingston effectively the same as this photo) which was bought from dingles for restoration to hopefully play pipes once again....with the guidance of Widor who posted above.