The King of Instruments
An organ aficionado sharing his passion with the world
The Great Organ Project - Since 2012
Upon looking at a small organ console model that a friend of mine gave me as a gift, I started to think, "What if I designed a pipe facade around this console?" Little did I know that this thought, around August 2012, would turn into a yearlong project with four 1:12 scale pipe organ models completely designed and built by me! Of course I did have help. First and foremost from my dad with his knowledge and idea as well as allowing me to completely take over the work bench in the garage for a full year. Second, from various co-workers at the company where I worked as a Draftsman/Design Engineer. It is there that I was taught how to use a lathe, which is how I created each and every organ pipe. Plus, having access to a CNC machine would come in handy with Opus III.
I utilize Computer Aided Design (CAD) software - more specifically, SolidWorks - for all my projects. Still, once I hit the ground running, there was certainly much "trial and error," if you will. Each model, which I have appropriately categorized by opus numbers, brought on a new identity. My entire progress was recorded on a blog titled, "The Great Organ Project." I posted weekly updates with the progress I had made the week before. Below are just a short description of each model. Please check out the various links associated to each model from my Blogger and Flickr pages.
Opus I
This model was inspired by the grand organ at St. Bavokerk in Haarlem, The Netherlands. There in that church houses the beautiful Christiaan Müller organ which, it is said, that a young Mozart played upon. I had an overall idea of how this model would look. However, since it was my first one, there were changes and even additions along the way. In the end, like the organ that inspired it, it was a huge model. Overall dimensions are roughly two feet square by one foot deep.
- For project photos, click here
- To start from the first blog post for Opus I, please click here.
Opus II
This model was designed as a gift for my dad. The style is 180º from Opus I, moving from Baroque to the 1960 when the Hammond Organ was used in rock music. Two pipe facdes replace the Leslie speakers that normally accompnay this type of organ.
- For project photos, click here
- To start from the first blog post for Opus II, please click here.
Opus III
Opus III is a culmination of the lessons I leared from the past two works. Though not as large as Opus I, I added more detailed features into this rather large chapel organ. The most noticable are the detailed grills, which were made using a CNC milling machine. A light was also placed inside the Swell box and above the music rack.
- For project photos, click here
- To start from the first blog post for Opus III, please click here.
Opus C
This Opus was actually a side model between Opus II and III. The C that identifies this Opus stands for both "Console" as well as the first letter in my friends name for whom this model was given. The console has a French terraced design with oblique stops.
- For project photos, click here
- To start from the first blog post for Opus III, please click here
Opus IV - in production
This project, and the few that will follow, were inspiried by a old collection of fake wooden organ pipes. I decided to split the 25 pipes into three main projects. Opus IV is the first project and is still under construction. In brief, the project consists of two wood cabinates holding five restored pipes in each with decorative grills and crown molding.
- For project photos, click here
- To start from the first blog post for Opus IV, please click here.
Opus V - upcoming project
To continue to make artistic use of the remainding fake pipes, Opus V is intended to be a simple display case of four stenciled pipes. When I use the word "stencil," I refer to my use of colors and patterns on the pipes instead of the typical silver/metal color. The most unique aspect of this project is the use of aromatic red cedar for construction of the case.
- For project photos, click here
Pipe Art - in production
In one last attempt to make creative use of the pipes, I decided to make "wall art" with the larger pipes. Seven of the center pipes will be planed on one side so to lay flat against the wall. Each pipe will be painted with different colors and designs unique to the person I design it for. In this case, my family.
- For project photos, click here
Opus VI - currently in R&D
The one question I have always been asked by friends and colleagues throughout all my projects is, "Does it play? Can it make a sound?" Well...this one will, or at least that's the plan. I envision Opus VI as a chamber organ encompassing 3.5 octaves. Suspended action will link each key to its respected pipe; 42 Gedeckt pipes to be specific. Do I foresee test models within this Opus, yes. There is A LOT to learn...but that's the exciting part. So many skills must come together - mechanical engineering, physics and architecture to name a few - all of which I am no expert in. However, there is passion, where there is interest and where there is interest is a heightened enthusiasm which drives you to the end goal!