Fair Organs in Cuba
By Ron Schmuck
Hello Everyone, I've noticed several letters regarding organs in Cuba. It may be of interest that new organs are being made in Cuba. They are copied from Limonaire Organs that were imported into Cuba in the late 1800s. They make a 67-note and 55-note organ. The factory was founded in 1891 and as of 1995 employed 32 people. The books are hand-cut by two ladies using a set square and pencil to lay out the notes, and then punched out on a very old punching machine.
Most organs are exported to South American countries. When the organ is played a total of four people are required (or employed): one to turn the organ bellows, one to turn the key frame, and two men to operate the 16 registers located on each side of the organ. There is no percussion on the organs! This is supplied by two more men playing all the usual drums and percussion instruments.
Trevor Taylor did a great job of describing his visit to the factory in "The Key Frame", the magazine of the Fair Organ Preservation Society. Maybe Phil Jamison can get permission to run it on the MMD if there is enough interest.
Best Regards
Ron Schmuck, Canada
[ Good news: I understand that Mr. Phil Benson, editor of
[ The Key Frame, will shortly be joining us here! -- Robbie
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(Message sent Tue 4 Feb 1997, 07:14:50 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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