Date:
Tue, 21 Mar 2000 09:53:55 EST
Hello from the South,
Nice to hear from you. I, also, have missed hearing Uncle Milt's organ.
I will always refer to it as UM's simply because he was responsible for most of the present tonal character and quality work of the organ. The "Grande Lady" is still in storage awaiting it's new location. I have changed my original plans of installation here in my own home to one of a more complimentary one.
We have been diligently looking for acreage to build a quaint little auditorium with space to let it sing in all it's fullness. I don't want to chance a room, given my knowledge of acoustics, that is too small for the mixing of sound. Better to wait a little longer and search a little harder for just the right venue. Hopefully, that will be soon. I surely will let everyone know when that happens. Thanks for your interest and so nice hearing from the North.
I hope everything in your area is fine, Uncle Milt, Bob R, Chris and the gang. Give my regards.
Dr. Dick
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Date:
Thu, 23 Mar 2000 10:56:25 EST
In regard to UM's organ, I have several top name artists advising me on various upgrades for both console and ppipe work At this point, I will refrain from using names without permission. Maybe later as things start to come together. The only problem with custom work is the length of time of "getting-it-done". I'm finding that most professional artisans don't redo consoles or pipe work overnight. They think in terms of years.
So... as I said earlier, this is not a quick project and I certainly don't want to be disappointed in the sound when it is finished. We will continue at whatever pace necessary to accomplish the task before us. I will certainly keep everyone updated.
Dick
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Date:
Tue, 13 Jun 2000 10:06:42 EDT
Subject: Re: paint job on the "Grande Lady"
Thank you for the updated info. It is nice to keep a running record of all dialogue and events associated with Uncle Milt's organ. I have so much information off the web right now about the Oriental and Orpheum theatres and the Organ Grinder that a complete summery needs to brought together on the instrument. I welcome any new comments and facts that may not be known or documented.
I have played with the idea of leaving the console as it is to preserve originality, but then the console is not original. It has been changed and altered many times over the years. And as you already know, many people are not too impressed with the outside gold finish. So...off it comes to reveal the wood type under the paint.
Hopefully, it will be a nice wood like mahogany or cherry. If so, we will go with a natural finish, otherwise, it will be finished in white or gold with ormolu. We will just have to wait and see. EXCITING!
As far as the internals go, I want the console completely reliable for the performer. To play on a console with stops out and keys not working is not a performer's dream. So...it will be completely updated with the newest and most reliable technology available. I think the instrument is worth that and most certainly deserves the best treatment. A new Wurlitzer ppedal boardwill be added to give it authenticity.
I will keep you updated as we move through this adventure. The second phase is to check and repair all leather before setting up and completing the winding. The last phase is rework all the reed pipes and then the flu.
It is a big project, but will be a very, very "Grande Lady" when finished.
It is my commitment to Uncle Milt.
Your Friend,
Dick
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Date:
Fri, 24 Nov 2000 10:14:27 EST
Thanks for your interest in this matter. Things are moving along with the organ, but very slowly, and as you and others down here say, it is not a fast moving project no matter what condition the organ is in.
Kenny C. has the console now and is working his magic. Too early, yet, to tell the complete condition of wood under the gold overlay, but those parts that have been stripped are mahogany. The wood factor will definitely determine the finish on the console. I would never cover up mahogany with paint. Soooo, we will have to wait and see what transpires.
Still looking for a location for the organ room and, eventually, a house. Have seen some really nice property... Want to get the best deal possible and just the right location...
We will wait and see.
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Date:
Wed, 29 Nov 2000 12:10:06 EST
Yes...[M]y friend and advisor on the Grand Lady has helped me redesign the console back to original configuration with some additions.
[Another friend] has also done a tremendous amount work suggesting and advising me what should be a reasonable layout for stops, pistons, finish, etc. The individuals I have talked with have been so nice to offer their time and assistance. Of course, [my two friends] are tops in my book and will probably remain so.
I belong to the LA Chapter, San Diego and ATOS. The Wurlitzer in SD you are referring [to] is a magnificent instrument and Chris [Gorsuch] really has done a splendid job voicing and tonally finishing it to almost perfection. More additions are planned, but overall, it is finished. It also gives me a chance to see what kind of work Ken C. does with a restoration. He, also, is tops in my book. Too bad there are not more installations in the So. Calif area. Maybe as time progresses that situation will change.
Talk later....it's off to work
Dick
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Date:
Sat, 2 Dec 2000 12:35:00 EST
The electronic switching will be placed in a separate cabinet that can be plugged into the console. I, myself, am not a fan of the auto rhythm. It was a neat novelty in the pizza parlor for the kids to watch all the trappings, but to somewhat of a purest, I believe it takes away from the beauty of the original theatre sound. It also is a crutch for organists who have a hard time making interesting arrangements through their improvisational ability. I remember selling electronic organs in LA at one crack in my life and the auto rhythms really sold the organ to the hobby organists who wanted to sound good right from the start. Most fine theatre organists will use rhythm very sparingly to accent or heighten a particular section of a piece but never continuous unrelenting beats. That is just my own opinion and only an opinion established through many years of listening. It also is a personal one and reflects what I like.
I don't expect everyone to believe as I do and I'm sure they have their own ideas based from their own musical background and experience.
I would like this instrument first to be completely restored to its original Wurlitzer specs and everything else to be an accessory to the original plan. That way, the original plan is preserved for posterity.
Does this all sound reasonable or what. I have done a lot of research, talking and thinking on this matter and this seems to be the most sensible way to go.
Have a good day and enjoy talking to you.
Dick
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Date:
Thu, 15 Feb 2001 11:24:21 EST
Hello,
Work has started on the console and seemingly going rather fast. The inside has been cleaned out and stripped of all original gold finish.
Many holes and blemishes from previous additions have been replaced and repaired. Surprisingly, all of the wood under the gold plaster and original paint is mahogany. The standard bench that accompanied the console was too battered to refinish. Large bolts had been placed to stabilize it from rocking or swaying while the artist is playing. The large holes in the bench could only be hidden with a painted finish.
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(Editor's note: There's a story about this bench...
Seems that one of [Milt's] staff organists who is very active on the bench, putting his hands in the air when doing complicated pedal work, thereby leaving all his weight on the seat, got involved in the music a couple of times and began jumping his tush on the bench. Of course, since you've examined the holes and bolts, you know now that he landed on the pedals and the bench came crashing down under him... so they say...
So, the "Large bolts" were to prevent [him] from collapsing in a heap yet again, as well as repair to the bench...
There are also rumors about several performers who have fallen backwards off that bench...
Maybe you need a museum for it, too?)
========
Since the total console finish will be mahogany, we have ordered a new concert style bench that will match and add a bit more class to the total instrument.
Swing-out drawers have been added on the underside, on each side, of the kkey desk All elements of the horseshoe area-keyboards, tabs, pistons, etc., are on order and will be installed as soon as finishers complete their work.
This console has had over seventy years of use and many alterations during that time. Hopefully, when we are finished, it will represent what Wurlitzer envisioned both in appearance and sound for those who really know "theatre organ sound" and those who want to experience this sound for the very first time.
I'm still trying to find the right location. I thought I had just the right acreage, but the CC&R's were too restrictive. Then came Christmas... need I say more. I suppose I will start looking again when the weather turns a bit warmer. Has been REALLY cold down here.
Talk later,
Dick
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Date:
Sun, 18 Feb 2001 19:05:38 EST
The midi-interface will be updated as well as a few new tabs to represent additional ranks to be added later. The console is to look original without anything added that is not part of a theatre organ. It must look correct in every way.
Interesting story about the bench.
In the November/December 1995 issue of the Theatre Organ, p.41, claims that the console left the factory in 1927 as a plain ivory finish. The textured plaster was applied in Portland to match the Hindu themes that dominated every element of the Oriental Theatre.
Gotta Go and Talk later,
Dick
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Date:
Mon, 19 Feb 2001 19:07:44 EST
Question and answer session follows.
E: is "Editor". DL: is "Owner".
E: Will the midi-interface be accessed through the wings under the manuals to preserve the original look?]
DL: Correct. The various instruments of the midi will be accessed by buttons located on the swing-outs under the kkey desk Actually, these buttons simply act as additional pistons or presets to augment those under each keyboard. Through the computer, you will be able to designate any sound to any piston or tab if needed.
E: Weren't there very few of the original large Wurlitzer consoles displayed in theatres in their mahogany finishes?
DL: You're absolutely right again! Consoles sent to theatres by Wurlitzer were designed and painted according to the theme represented in a particular theatre. However, some theatres opted to decorate the console after arrival. Both color scheme, cabinet style and ormolu were used to match, as close as possible, the interior of a particular theatre. Hence, the outlandish carrousel-type consoles that rose ever so slowly out of the orchestra pit into a sea of blinding white spotlights.
The white or off-white colored consoles with gold ormolu are my favorite. But, for the long run of the instrument, I believe that a natural wood finish is much more appealing wherever the instrument ends up. I'm not trying to match a certain interior space in my home or elsewhere.
However, in a natural finish it will certainly fit in anywhere.
My personal choice would be a 4 manual, flattop console in stark white finish with two large gold lyres on either side on the lid and simple gold leaf around the side panels. Maybe someday...
If the mahogany was not in good condition and workable, we probably would have gone to a white finish. But.....I just can't cover up nice wood with paint.
E: Many little kids got up close and personal with the Grande Lady because they were fascinated by the gold console...
DL: It definitely is fascinating....even to older folks. However, that is where it ends. Of all the decorated consoles I have seen, I believe this one took the cake... If it had been any other finish than corrugated plaster, I believe I would have kept it original. We were lucky that the wood under the plaster was a decent wood for finishing.
And we will just have to wait to see what Kenny does with it. I believe it will be quite elegant.
There will be a new ppedal boardin Wurlitzer style. The kkick boardin ivory was original as well as the console back. It will all be in the original wood.........mahogany.
All For Now,
Dick
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Date:
Sun, 23 Dec 2001 17:02:33 EST
Hello...,
... That brings me to the next issue of the mighty Wurlitzer.
The Grand Lady is still with KC in Reno and hopefully on the slow track now. K. has some pressing projects now and needs to keep focused on them to finish. Buying time while I'm moving to two separate locations. The house in Vista would just not work for setting up the organ. As a matter of fact, most houses I have looked at in the SD area would not be suitable for what I want to do. This move [has] definitely made me older....
A friend of mine introduced me to a resort community in the San Bernardino mountains called Idyllwild. It is up about 6000 feet and very friendly to music and musicians. The building codes also are reasonable for a studio for the Wurlitzer. If the economy ever turns back around, we'll start the process next Spring. I don't want the console to be finished and have to put it back into storage again. Maybe K. will finish it just in time to go into a new building which will house all my instruments.
A friend bought [a] Wurlitzer and is having K completely restore it from stem to stern. He has unlimited funding and is now in search of an abandoned movie palace in New York for a home. He and his group plan to refurbish the entire theatre before installing the Wurlitzer. Thank heavens he came along and enabled my project to rest a while. I am still anxious, but moving has really taken it out of me. Now if I could just sell the house in Vista, we would be on our way.
I'm happy you still write and keep in touch. The days just seem to fly by and I seem to get so little done. Oh well, guess I'm getting old. There is no really new info on the organ, and probably won't be, until the studio is built.
Look forward to seeing you again. SG will be here in April. He'll be playing the Wurlitzer in San Diego and at San Sylmar. Looking forward to that.
Have a very Merry Christmas and say hello to all for me.....and...hope everyone is well.
Talk later,
Dick
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