ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
From: Peter Davis, October 2006
The original Wurlitzer chest, expression, pipework, reservoirs, etc. are
there, intact. I have been to the chambers and seen myself! (And yes,
tuned a few errant reeds here and there.) I believe that only the
console was sold to Harvey Elsasser as all else seems to be present and
accounted for.
The original console was sold in the late 1950's and replaced with a
piece of supply house trash at the opposite end of the Nave in the
Gallery (where one hears almost nothing from the other end.) The local
hack who "rebuilt" the organ at this time pawned his work off upon the
parish as a "new organ." Utter rubbish. He not only added the
Yugo-esque console, he added a IV-rank Mixture to the chancel (SO
authentically Wurlitzer!) and three ranks of the most deplorable used
pipework (and a used facade) in the Gallery.
The organ is in fair shape. All of the Wurlitzer pipework is unaltered,
save for repairs necessitated by errant feet climbing up into the
chambers. The organ was badly neglected until about 1974 when it was
brought into shape. At present, we are looking into a renovation and
redesign of the organ, and a new console (or two). This will retain all
of the Wurlitzer pipework unaltered (and most of the mechanism, sans
relays), render unto the dumpster that which is rightfully rendered unto
it (the 1950's console and pipe additions) and increase the versatility
of the instrument in 21st century context.
Parish records indicate that this organ has been nothing but trouble
since about 1965, mere years after it was "rebuilt/replaced."
Fortunately, the Wurlitzer components in the chancel still serve
admirably, and provide the warm, rich, solid base on which to build a
fine Anglo-American Classic organ yet to come.
Peter Davis -
Director of Music and Organist,
St. Andrew's Church,
3105 Main Street
Buffalo, NY USA 14214
Tel. 716.834.9337 x223