Baldwin 632

[jskumro]

Does anyone know anything about the Baldwin 632 organ? I have taken a job playing Saturday masses at a Church in Buffalo that has this organ. They are very excited to be incorporating organ into their masses again, because they haven't had a steady organist for many years.</p>

This organ seems pretty old, I assume from the early 80's. It's analog. There are some things I like, compared to other electronic organs, but many things I don't like. For example, the presence of sub-super couplers is excellent. However, some of the sounds are particularly fake, especially the flutes. But the ensemble sound isn't so bad. Other than that, everything on the organ works well, with the exception of the 8' Oboe on the swell. (And the occasional sizzle when moving the expression pedal.)</p>

The one thing that really gets me about this organ is the pedalboard. I'm not sure if it is different than AGO, it appears to be, but it "feels" different. The pedals seem slightly closer together than other organs I've played, and not very rounded on top. Lately, I have been playing on one of four organs: An Allen MOS 305 at my own Church, one of two Allen Renaissance Quantum organs, or an '89 Schantz Pipe Organ (awesome.) The pedalboards on all of these organs (naturally the Allens) seem very similar. However, I find myself stumbling all over the Baldwin.</p>

Another thing I noticed, the pedals seem extremely sensitive. They move very little, and will sound at the slightest movement.</p>

Does anyone have any experiences playing these organs? And does anyone know of a solution to this pedalboard problem?</p>

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Thanks!</p>

[OrgansR4Me]

Re: Baldwin 632



My personal experience with Baldwin relates to one to two decades earlier, but you are correct that for some reason Baldwin built flat pedalboards and you won't feel the same foot swing or downward travel.</P>


JBird and ArieV are both valuable members of the forum and very capable service technicians. I believe they have contributed information on this organ in the past. Try locating their comments through our search feature.</P>


And thanks for bringing the joy of organ music back to a needy congregation. Soundslike you have your plate quite full these days!</P>


Found some information under http://organforum.com/forums/thread/61973.aspxand http://organforum.com/forums/thread/43934.aspx</P>


Hope this was helpful.</P>

[jskumro]

Re: Baldwin 632



Thanks for the information! I'm playing masses at this Church on Saturdays starting in June.. Should be interesting. I'll be trying to get used to it. They have merged with another church that has closed that apparently has an old Rodgers. I'm going to be playing at this church in two weeks, and I'm going to see what kind of shape this organ is. If it proves nicer than the Baldwin (which I assume it might,) I will likely try to have it moved over to the other Church..</p>

I have noticed exactly that the pedals are flat. It claims to be to AGO specifications, but doesn't quite feel that way.</p>

Thanks again, my plate is kind of full for a few weeks, but I only have one steady gig right now. Looking for more! (and for organ lessons..) </p>