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Swell and Choir boxes

Bach>Meer

New member
Can anyone advise if typically the edges of the swell and choir shutters get worn with constant use and also the edges of the draw like features at the bottom that are removed to tune pipes inside.

Also what is the name for these "drawers"?

Thanks all!
 

pcnd5584

New member
Can anyone advise if typically the edges of the swell and choir shutters get worn with constant use and also the edges of the draw like features at the bottom that are removed to tune pipes inside.

Also what is the name for these "drawers"?

Thanks all!

With normal use, it would be unlikely that the edges of the shutters of expression boxes would become worn. Are the shutters operated mechanically (either with rods and trundles, forming a direct linkage - or by using a Bowden cable)? Or are they operated using some type of swell engine (either pneumatically or electrically controlled).

With the Infinite Speed and Gradation pedals, which were invented by
Henry Willis III, the shutters (when closed) were held tightly against their beds. However, Unless the shutters have been closed too firmly many times, the shutters should retain their integrity. (In any case, closing the shutters too quickly or with too much force is likely to affect the tuning of the ranks nearest the front of the box.)

The 'drawers' are simply called 'tuning panels'. They are usually provided to give access to reed tuning wires (normally fabricated from phosphor bronze, these protrude from the boots), since reed stops are often placed at the front of the soundboards. On my 'own' church organ, the four Swell reeds are placed at the back of the box, where there are two tuning panels (lockable), which are accessible from the back of the instrument. They are lockable, because the back of the instrument faces a chapel.
 
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Bach>Meer

New member
they are operated mechanically with rods and trundles. The tuning pnels are also worn around the edges where they have rubbed against the main box.

Is this normal?

thanks
 
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