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Percussions and Effects

Australian theatre organs contain a wide variety of tonal and non-tonal percussions. These need little explanation, as they closely resemble the orchestral instruments. Actual specially-designed instruments are used, their hammer powered by pneumatic motors activated by electro-magnets. Tonal percussions play tuned notes (e.g., Xylophone), whereas non-tonal percussions (e.g, Bass Drum, castanets) do not. The curiously-named Chrysoglott is the orchestra's celesta, given this other name so that it is not confused with the céleste pipe ranks.

The effects really became redundant with the demise of silent films, but they are used from time to time for comedy or special effects. They are mostly controlled from toe pistons or push-buttons on the console.

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