Thank you, Tim, for explaining the Schoenstein connection.  In the
many sets of orchestrion pipes I have copied, it has been apparent
that most Violins are based on the same theoretical scale, but many
makers lacked the precision of the Schoenstein pipes.  I did not
realize that all of the best pipes were from this one builder.

The details that are most notable include very accurate inside
dimensions, and very precise voicing.  From pipe to pipe in the
trebles, the difference in width is only a few tenths of a millimeter.
The stock thickness is also quite thin, and very uniform compared to
other makers.

The flues in these pipes were machined with a small (2"-3" diam.) saw
blade, probably a metal slitting blade, which was accurately controlled
for depth of cut from pipe to pipe.  The resulting shape of the flue
provides the best speech for this kind of pipe.

There was a recent article on the Schoenstein company in the ISO
Journal (International Society of Organbuilders).  Their most recent
large work is the new organ in the LDS conference center in Salt Lake
City.  The room seats about 20,000.

John M. Nolte - Nolte Organ Building & Supply, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI 53215