no pedals?

[rohrflute89]

is it ok to use a coupler with the pedal division instead of actually playing the pedals or would that be cheap</P>


</P>


rohrflute89</P>

[Menschenstimme]

I guess what you are asking is if it is okay to not use any stops of the pedal division of the organ, but rather couple the manual stops to the pedal board instead?</P>


While this would generally be considered unorthodox, I can see where it might come in handy under certain circumstances. For example, I find it easier to play traditional four-part (SATB) hymns by playing the SAT with my two hands and the Bass with my feet. If you wanted to do this, but create the illusion that you were playing all four parts on manual(s) only with just your two hands, you could do so my using no pedal stops and coupling the manual(s) to the pedal board.</P>

[Bombarde32]

Are you referring to the "Auto-Pedal" couplers where it takes the lowest note on the manuals and transfers it to the pedals?</P>


If you are going to be playing the organ on a regular basis ... learn to use the pedals. I've just recently come through that whole learning curve ... and once you have them under control ... it's so nice. It's more fun to play with the pedals, it looks cooler, and you can play much smoother/connected/legato when you have the pedals at your disposal. I can't describe how sweet it is to rip out a big pedal solo and just have everyone staring like "How'd he do that?"</P>


However, if you are trying to sub into a Sunday service or have recently been told "congratulations, you're the new organist!" ... then there is nothing wrong with auto-pedal. Just make using the pedals on a regular basis your goal and keep practicing/working towards it as you will sound better and have more fun when you can use them.</P>

[back52887]

I'll second that. There can be so much more to hymn accompaniment than playing SATB through four verses. I learned to play on a spinet, and automaticly learned to keep my pedal within the lowest 13 notes - either transposing the bass part, or playing whatever tonic (foundation) note fits the harmonic schemeI wasplaying in - while continuing to play all four singing parts with the hands. This adds a depth to the spectrum as though you had a 32' available down there</P>


If indeed you have not yet learned to pedal, do so; but even while still using your "dummy pedal", get familiar with some of the possible combinations for expressing the mood of the differentverses, and develop the timming to slip those changes in between each verse. This will improve your congregation's worship and participation the the hymn singing, as well as theirsatisfaction with you. </P>


There is a tradition that works with reformation type hymns of the four verse build-up, starting withGreat Principles 8',4' &amp; 2', then adding Mixtureson vs2, then coupling Swell flues and mixtures for vs3, and finishing with added reeds. But there are many more possibilities. Try to catch the feeling of each verse in your playing and registration. Are you confused yet?[:$] Don't get scared and run back to the piano!</P>


Lee</P>

[rohrflute89]

Thanks, im new to the organ and the organ at my church i curently play is only a ahlborn hymnus 5 (with 1 manual and no pealboard) however i might start substituting at a church with 2 manuals and a large pedal board so im kinda lost on how to properly practice seeing as my home hammond only has a 13 note pedalboard

[back52887]

There are many opportunities to replace you current church's organ with something larger for little or no cost.Search the net, want ads, etc and use ebay as a guide to how much or little to pay. (some opportunist or idiot out there may try to ask $1K for a kimball spinet that should go for $25.) and also get yourself something with at least 25 (32 preferable) pedals to practice on.[;)]</P>


As for practicing on your spinet, play all 4 parts on the keyboards, and duplicate the bass on the pedal, reading most of it an octave lower than written. on the few notes below tenor C, read them in their normal range. I can't think of a hymn whose bass goes above middle C. Where are you anyway, and what Hammond do you have?</P>


Lee</P>

[buzzyreed]

1. I have been known to use the old trick of a Swell 16' and 'regular registration' on the great (the left hand playing the pedal on the Swell and the rest on the great) when the harmonization is out of my comfort range. For some reason, the leaps in the harmonization of "Lift High the Cross" get me everytime and I just use this 'Weasel Method" of hymn playing. Nothing lost really.


2. Used Allens and Rodgers are around very, veyr affordable for a medium to small sized church.

[rohrflute89]

I live in Southeastern Wisconsin. Im not exactly sure what kind of hammond i have but its pretty limited. there are two manuals each consisting of only 32 key. The stops on the upper manual are tibia's 16',8',4',2' and strings and horn 8'. The botom manual has flute, horn, and strings 8'. Could someone define what a spinet is exactly. Where should i look for affordable used organs? Ebay's organs all pickups mostly.</P>

[back52887]

It sounds a bit like the J series, which is all solid statescircuit boards and the only salvage value is the speaker. When hammond acquired the organ division of Everett (early 70s I think) they used it's facilities to make some low end stuff. Are you sure on your key count? A spinet organ has two short staggerd keyboards, usually 44 notes each, but a few cheapies with 36 notes, but several odd combinations offered in between. The pedals are usually 13 in number but the first hammond spinets M, M2, M3 had 12, and a few have had 18 or even 25 (thomas and conn). A console organ is one with full parallel (61 note) manuals and 25-32 pedals. BTW, a spinet piano is one 36" tall, and a console piano is 40" tall.[8-)]</P>


I get cheap organs from auctions and thrift shops. I bought my M3 for $6 andmy Concorde for $5 at auction. Check for estate sales. Families may have greatly exagerated ideas of the worth of their parent's old Baldwin, but offer $10 and tell them to call you. In my part of the country the thrift stores don't eventake spinet organs anymore, but leave word with them to call you if someone turns one into them and they don't want it. Offer to make a token payment.</P>


If you are unwilling or unable to pick up a chear/free organ, I have no solution for you. You can narrow an ebay search down to your immediate area, then sit and wait.[:#]</P>


Lee</P>

[back52887]

oops, forgot to note that the above doesn't apply to tonewheel Hammonds. They have some value, from $100 for an M to $2K for a B-3. But even there, you can still stumble on a bargain.</P>


Lee</P>