Presenting a Model II Welte Philharmonic Organ from c. 1914 playing once again after over a 90 year silence. This organ was found in 1996 in a carriage house at the Col. Edward Green estate, Round Hill, in Dartmouth, MA. It had been put into storage perhaps as early as 1923, if the dates on the crates can be believed. Time was not kind to the organ. The roof leaked on it, vermin ate all the leather, wood worms and powder post beetles infested it, and it was generally vandalized. Parts had literally rotted away. A major restoration effort was required to bring this one back to life. The results are very rewarding.
This video and slide show demonstrate the sound which Welte was producing in their Philharmonic Organ series, the next generation after their Cottage and Concert Orchestrions. The Philharmonics are more sweet and mellow than their earlier counterparts. This Model II can play either a 100 key Philharmonic or Piano Orchestrion roll.
28 авг 2024
