What do you think this organ is worth?

[DANK39]

Greetings:
This is my first post as a new member of Organ Forum. I would like to ask the forum
members for some assistance in valuing a TPO that I have found for sale. I have wanted
a TPO for over 40 years and now that the prices have come down and my bank account
has went up ( a little ) I may be able to finally afford my dream. I have heard the
"rule of thumb" of $1000 per rank, however I also know that similar ranks from various
builders carry different values.

I have had limited experience with TPOs back in the early 70's and am looking forward to
having my own insturment to work on in the near future. I am familiar with the work and
logistics necessary in moving these organs and fortunately this particular organ is
located within reasonable distance from my home. I am looking forward to
interacting with the forum members in the future. Any assistance you can offer me will
be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance
daniel

3 manual Wurlitzer console w/original pneumatic combination action
16' tuba (Barton/Marr & Colton)
16' flute (Wurlitzer)
16' Quintadena (Lyon & Healy)
16' Trumpet (Kilgen/Lyon & Healy)
16' Gamba (Estey)
8' Vox Humana (Wurlitzer)
8' Tibia Clausa (Estey)
8' Tibia Clausa (sm scaled Barton)
8' Diapason (Wurlitzer)
8' Saxophone (Dennison)
8' Post Horn (unknown builder)
8' Oboe (Lyon & Healy)
8' String (Estey)
8' Kinura (Barton)
8' Reedless Oboe (Estey)
8' Calliope 44 notes (stopped wood)
4' Doppel Flute (Seeburg)
4' String (Seeburg)
Glockenspiel (Wurlitzer)
Xylophone (Marr & Colton)
Chrysoglott (Barton)
Large Wood Bar Harp (Lyon & Healy)
Chimes (Wurlitzer)
Tuned Sleigh Bells (Wurlitzer)
Full traps and toy counters
5hp 3-phase Spencer blower

[Charlie Metcalf]

I'm not so sure about the $1k per rank. An 8 rank Smith theatre pipe organ in playing condition sold in California last year for under $1,000.

[andyg]

That's a real mixture of ranks, and alas no Wurlitzer Tibia. I think you need to find out if this hybrid was put together with loving care by a person who knew how to voice, mix and blend the various makes of pipes, or if they just had a console and simply bought various pipes, or donor organs, to go with it. There's nothing wrong with hybrids per se, I've played some great ones, but a little research is called for before your find that your dream becomes a hard to voice nightmare!

[DANK39]

Thankyou Charlie for your input. I appreciate it very much.

To Andy, thanks for your reply. Supposedly this organ was put together by an
experienced individual. Since the instrument is unplayable how it sounds is only
a guess. In my business, heating and a/c, when something is not visible or proven
I can only assume the worst case. Thus when I do make an offer I will take all this
into consideration. Assuming the worst, do you have an idea what I should offer?
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
daniel

[Clarion]

I have heard the "rule of thumb" of $1000 per rank, however I also know that similar ranks from various builders carry different values.

A new organ: installed, voiced, etc.??

The value of any commodity relies upon market demand. No market; no value.

The market demand for a TPO (I assume that acronymn means theatre pipe organ), is pretty close to about ZERO! It's not as if there is going to be a long lineup of interested buyers when this instrument goes on sale. And with ZERO market, there is ZERO value.

At best, the vendor would probably be grateful if he could cut his losses by disposing of this essentially unsaleable instrument, by finding someone who would cart the parts away for free!

[DANK39]

Thankyou Clarion for your input. Theater Pipe Organs are an expensive hobby.