First Congregational Church

Bay Shore, NY

 

1905 Oman

Opus # ??

II/12

Stoplist

Exterior     Interior     Console     Organ

This Oman pipe organ, which recently turned one hundred years old, required a major restoration.  Many pipes weren't speaking, the main reservoir was suffering massive wind leaks, and the original relay and contact system were failing rapidly and totally beyond repair.        We were called in to evaluate the instrument and to propose remedies to the organs problems.  Without any doubt, the best course of action was a total rebuild.  It was decided that the existing pneumatic chest action would not be long term cost effective to rebuild.  Instead, new Great and Swell windchests were constructed incorporating the existing toe and rackboards thus preserving much of the original chest woodwork and keeping the costs lower.  Electro-mechanical action valves were installed replacing the original, leather intensive pneumatic action.  The biggest benefit of this conversion is the elimination of the re-leathering expense of the windchests in the future.        Wooden components of the Oman bell crank feeder reservoir were in such a state of deterioration that the reservoir was removed and replaced with a new single rise reservoir as well as all associated ductwork between it and the windchests.  The original Pedalboard and ivory manual keys were rebuilt and retained with the addition of modern key contacts.  A new solid state switching system and four level combination action was installed.        The organ had never been modified tonally since being installed by Oman, with the exception of an Oboe rank addition by Mr. David Holtje in the 1980's.  We decided that the tonal scheme served the congregation well for many years and that nothing should be altered from the original tonal specification.  However, to enhance flexibility, inter and intra manual couplers, including Unison Off were added.        This Oman pipe organ has reliably served this congregation for many years past and with this full restoration, will continue to serve future generations of the church!