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    Frederik Magle
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Recommendation for sticking relays in Wicks Organ

JayR

New member
I am going to have to work on a real pipe organ in an old church next weekend. I am not a trained pipe organ tech, but I am all they have. Most of the issues are sticking relays. The organ is not played very much, and the relays stick over time. However, once they are freed, they work as long as the organ is routinely played. Does anyone have a recommendation of a lubricant for the relay hinges? Even though I am not qualified, I want to do no harm to this instrument.

Thank you,
Jay
 
wljmrbill

wljmrbill

Member
Perhaps Lars is the one to talk with regarding this topic..send him a personal note for quicker response.
 
Krummhorn

Krummhorn

Administrator
Staff member
ADMINISTRATOR
Having played one of these beasts for many years in a former church, I too was the maintenance man after the long time tuner/tech died. It was a 1920's era Wicks theater organ (originally 13 ranks) with 5 ranks, horseshoe console, double touch keyboard, 15 inches wind, etc.

It required monthly tuning as the chamber was not insulated and the (then) Wicks swell shutters required air pressure to stay open, so they closed when the blower was switched off, so there was no change for air to circulate in or out during the week.

It also had a relay box like you mentioned ... I used a brand called 3 In One .. and just a drop on the hinges when it needed it ... more oil is not better here. No, just one drop then work the daylights out of the relay to work it in. The relay box that I had had wooden covers to keep dust (and curious fingers) out of the mechanism.

I'm not saying that my remedy is the best one ... but it worked for me in those days when it was necessary, and only when necessary.

Hoping other pipe organ savvy people will also respond to this thread :)

Kh :cool:
 
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