Anatomy of a WurliTzer Theatre Pipe Organ
The valves go into the round holes seen here between each of the "T"s. The top valve disk
seats under the arms of the "T"s when lifted. Normally another strip of wood is fitted below
the valves to provide the lower seat.
This construction is not usually visible but this chest Bottom Board from Opus 1730 happened
to be constructed with a join right where the valves were to go. This joint was failing, probably
as a result of the water that entered the instrument 50 years before when this instrument was in
the Plaza Theatre in Melbourne while the Regent Theatre above it burnt down. Separating the the
boards to enable a good repair provided the opportunity to get this photo.
HOME