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MMD > Archives > August 2016 > 2016.08.30 > 03Prev  Next


FS: Player Organs & Pianos & Rolls in Vermont
By Bill Burns

I just received this list from a correspondent, with no restrictions
on redistribution.  The list includes some mechanical instruments.

Bill Burns
billb@ftldesign.com.geentroep

Forwarded message:

I wanted to make you aware of a collection of vintage pianos and organs
that are in danger of being destroyed in the near future, in case you
or someone you know might be interested in rescuing one or more of
them.  If this isn't of interest to you, I apologize for bothering you.
Please forward this message as you see fit.

Disclaimer:  I have no personal stake in this matter; I just can't bear
the thought of all these instruments going to waste, and I'm unable to
take any of them myself.

The instruments are part of the estate of the late James Gabaree
of Duxbury, Vermont, USA, and (except where noted) are all located
in a heated residence in Duxbury, close to route I-89.  According
to the information I have, any instruments that haven't been sold by
early September will go to a landfill or a bonfire.  I have not seen
the instruments myself, nor have I spoken to the executor of the
estate yet.  I've been advised that he will not simply give the
instruments away, but may consider taking a tax deduction from
a non-profit institution.  The executor is Byron Gabaree, who does
not use the Internet.  His phone number is (802) 872-8894.  Please
contact the executor directly for further information, and to confirm
the information provided here.

Here's all the information I have about the instruments:

Pipe Organ (1): Wicks pipe organ, direct electric action, 2 manuals +
pedal, 22 stops derived from at least 9 ranks of pipes (16' Stopped
Diapason, 8' Open Diapason, 8' Melodia, Flauto Dolce, Salicional,
Voix Celeste, 8' Dulciana, 8' Oboe, 8' Cornopean (a type of trumpet),
footprint 10' x 12', height unknown.  Fully restored; was played
regularly until the recent death of the owner.  The seller will not
part it out; the buyer must take the entire instrument.

Reed Organs (12):

- Vocalion reed organ, very early 1900's, 2 manuals + pedal, stenciled
dummy pipe top, 7' wide, 11' tall, depth unknown but probably 2'-3',
full restored, easily dismantled.  Judging by the photo, it probably
has a dozen or so stops.  Described by my contact (not the seller) as
"stunning" and "a real show-stopper"; he also wrote: "Unlike garden
variety 'pump organs,' Vocalions have extra-large-scaled reeds that are
enclosed in sound-modifying chambers.  This dampens many of the
discordant harmonics from the reeds that give most reed organs their
accordion-like tone: the "flute" stops are especially nice."  Here's a
video of a similar instrument: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfarvry35g8 

- Estey reed organ, restored.
- Estey "Artist" reed organ, early 1900's, restored.
- Estey "Artist" reed organ, disassembled, restoration in progress.
- "Parlor" reed organ, condition unknown, located in Williston VT.
- "Cottage" reed organ, condition unknown, located in Williston VT.
- "Parlor" reed organ, unrestored.
- Aeolian "1500" reed organ, unrestored.
- Three (3) melodeons, unrestored.
- Shoninger "Cymbella" reed organ with "tuned saucer bells", condition
  unknown, located in Williston VT.

Pianos (8):

- Wing & Sons "orchestral" upright piano, fully restored.  I didn't
realize what a rare and amazing find this instrument is until I found
a YouTube video of it.  "The Wing & Son Piano Company had a reputation
for building only high quality pianos ... The instrument in the video
is equipped with 5 pedals, which mimic sounds of the mandolin, banjo,
harp, and zither. When not engaged, the piano plays normally without
any interference from these pedal attachments."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqSu_zqu4ps  Located in nearby town.

- Weber reproducing (player) baby grand piano, good condition; 6' long.

- Decker grand piano, 19th century, ornate, fully restored, partly
disassembled; 7' long.

- Duo-Art baby grand piano with player mechanism; 6 feet long.

- Two upright player pianos, mechanically restored.
- Baby grand piano, unrestored.
- "Mystery" piano with tiny compass (# of keys), unrestored.


(Message sent Tue 30 Aug 2016, 21:36:15 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  FS, Organs, Pianos, Player, Rolls, Vermont

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