Have You Forgotten Your Password or Username?

**BOZ** · 03-21-2008, 06:31 PM

Re: Ciphering, why do we say that?

Very interesting question! As a beginning organist, I wondered exactly the same. I came across this explanation somewhere online (related to text): 

"It is something other than text, it does not communicate meaning...." So, musically it would be a note that does not communicate musical meaning. In fact, it is confounding. But I look forward to other explanations. This is my guess.

**davidecasteel** · 03-24-2008, 01:59 AM

Re: Ciphering, why do we say that?

I know that I made a response to this question but it seems to have disappeared!

I believe that the origin of this usage of the term is related to the meaning of "cipher" as "zero", which was quite common in the past, and is related to the use of "ciphering" to mean "calculating". If one makes that assumption, then the term was initially used for notes that did not play when keyed, which is one type of keying failure. Eventually the term became used for all types of keying failures, including those where the pipe does not cease playing when the key is released.

David

**Tutti** · 03-24-2008, 03:38 AM

Re: Ciphering, why do we say that?

"4.something of no value or importance."



I suppose that works. I kinda thought of it as a mystery to find which pipe it was that was leaking. . .

**Guest** · 03-24-2008, 03:56 AM

Re: Ciphering, why do we say that?

Thanks all, that makes sence. Now I see the connection.

**soubasse32** · 03-24-2008, 09:32 AM

Re: Ciphering, why do we say that?

[quote user="Tutti"]I kinda thought of it as a mystery to find which pipe it was that was leaking. . .[/quote]

You all probably already know these things, but I have some tips that might be helpful. [8-|] 
<UL>
<LI>If I hear a cipher the very first thingto do is operate the expression pedals. If you hear it change volume, then you know it is inside that particular expressive division.</LI>
<LI>Select one stop in that division and play a chromatic scale near the pitch of what you are hearing until you find the exact note. If you are lucky enough to have perfect pitch or good relative pitch you may be able to go right to the note. Sometimesciphersdon'tspeak up to pitch - those are a bit harder to find. </LI>
<LI>You can also skipgoing through all the stopsif youcan discernwhich stop it is.</LI>
<LI>If an 8' stop is ciphering, you are in luck - it won't take long to figure out which rank it is - just go through each 8' stop on that note.If it is not an 8' stop you will have to individually selecteach stop,playing in whicheveroctave until you find the exact pipe. The chromatic scale might be helpful to find the right note if the cipher happens to be a mutation.</LI>
<LI>You will know that you've found it, as when you tap the note one of two things will happen: it will stop ciphering, or it will seem that nothing happens (if any other stop is drawn, you will hearrepeated notes when you tap the key). Continue tapping the note repeatedly.</LI>
<LI>Sometimes Iwill try to 'shake out' the cipher bytapping large toneclustersrepeatedly (not adviseable during a service)! [:D]</LI>
<LI>If it still ciphers, try toggling the stop off/on a few times. </LI>
<LI>If that doesn't stop the cipher, turn the organ off. Remember to wait a minute or two before turning the organ on again.</LI>
<LI>If it still ciphers, it is time to pull the pipe (a clean lint-free cloth under the toe is all that is necessary) and/or call the tech.</LI>[/list]

As far as finding ciphers quickly, familiarity with the instrument is so important - during practice you might play chromatic scales on each individual stop, noticing the timbre of each note. It is also helpful to figure out how to identify mutation pitches.

On an instrument I know well, I am usually able to find and fix a cipherin about15 seconds - the congregation may not even be aware of the problem. Luckily these were the kinds that are fixed by tapping.I haven't had to shut off the organ or pull a pipe in a very long time (knock on wood)...

**Tutti** · 03-25-2008, 05:27 AM

Re: Ciphering, why do we say that?

That sounds like a whole month's worth of practice right there!

I haven't been in a position with a pipe organ in a long time. . . al allens and rodgers here for 8 years now.

**Guest** · 03-31-2008, 10:09 AM

Re: Ciphering, why do we say that?

I'd like to add that whenever a cipher occurs and you cannot fix it yourself and you have to call out a technician, as soon as they arrive, the cipher will stop and will not start again right until they leave!

That's just life I'm afraid.....

Does anybody else have this curse happening to them?!

Jezza

**Jay999** · 04-08-2008, 08:18 PM

Re: Ciphering, why do we say that?

Most of my clients call a cipher "a stuck note". However, I have two clients who refer to a cipher as...."the organ is humming". Ha! (If it's on a Trumpet stop, it's yelling!)

Regards the service tech arriving and the cipher stops....yes, all the time! Here in Atlanta, Ga. we have lots of really big changes in the weather. Most ciphers occur here due to climatic changes causing physical changes in the organ's chest wood. Shrinking, swelling, etc. Best prevention of ciphers is to keep the blower and blower room spotless. Dust and debris lying around in the blower room will eventually be sucked up by the blower, and then blown into the organ. Dust usually doesn't cause a cipher. But a very small speck of grit lodged under a valve, or in a keying magnet will cause a cipher. If you see dust in a blower room, then there's grit there too. It's past time to get the room, and the blower, cleaned up.

Some of the older models of solid state organ relays are beginning to break down. Occasionally I will encounter a bad transistor that causes an intermittent cipher. For the organ tech's best detective work, try to isolate the pipe that is ciphering, and write it down. That way, if it does go away when the tech shows up, at least he knows where to look for the trouble. Best wishes....

Welcome To The Organ Forum

Have You Forgotten Your Password or Username?

How To Recover Your Username and Password

Forum Top Banner Ad

Ebay Classic organs

Announcement

Ciphering, why do we say that?

Ciphering, why do we say that?

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Hello!