|
The Magazine Section of KEYBOARDNEWS.COM The Internet Magazine for Organ-Keyboard Players & Enthusiasts
Back to the Front Page |
|
The Magazine Section of KEYBOARDNEWS.COM The Internet Magazine for Organ-Keyboard Players & Enthusiasts
Back to the Front Page |
Instruments by such famous names as Gavioli, Ruth, Marenghi, Decap and Mortier form only a part of the large collection to be seen on display. Several gleaming Showman’s Engines, including “The Iron Maiden”, regarded by many to be the world’s most famous traction engine and star of the 1960’s film of the same name is one of the major attractions at the purpose-built venue. At The Scarborough Fair Collection, it’s not the sight and sound of just one but TWO “Mighty” Wurlitzer organs that will be featured during open days and weekly Wednesday afternoon tea dances, played by ex North Pier & Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Organist – Kevin Grunill, now Resident Organist and General Manager of the new venture.
The Wurlitzer organs in the collection were originally installed in the Granada Theatre’s at Greenford and Mansfield respectively. Both instruments were of 3 manuals and 8 ranks, although the rank specification of the two instruments couldn’t have been further apart. The ex Greenford Wurlitzer comprises English Horn, Tuba, Diapason, Tibia Clausa, Saxophone, Gamba, Gamba Celeste & Flute, whereas the ex Mansfield organ has Style ‘D’ Trumpet, Diapason, Tibia Clausa, Clarinet, Violin, Violin Celeste, Vox Humana & Flute. It is interesting that both instruments had solo scale 15” Tibia ranks, despite being very different instruments. These two Wurlitzer’s have been installed complete as built, although the 16’ Tibia bass pipes of the Mansfield organ are un-enclosed and are placed either side of the stage proscenium – and well they look too !
3 ranks of pipes, an orchestral Marimba and 3 Accordions were added to the Ex Greenford Wurlitzer when it was installed in its previous home – “M” Ranch, Sutton in Ashfield. These have been removed and the organ has been restored to its original specification. The orchestral Marimba has been also removed (and is available for sale) and a genuine Wurlitzer Marimba has been installed and sounds well. It is planned to expand the Wurlitzer presentation at the new complex by the installation of the 4 manual console formally installed at the Cincinnati Music Palace, which will not only play the pipes of the two Granada Wurlitzer’s but also additional pipe-work which has been imported from the USA. The new console and additions will be installed throughout 2008 and it is hoped to have the new features playing in public in 2009.