help with hymn recordings

[FA1fan]

Hi, all.
I am a member of a small Lutheran congregation in northern Canada -- and we face the challenge of having quality hymn accompaniment for congregational singing. Thank the Lord for technology that allows organs to play the recordings of other organists. (I have to admit I am at a loss to understand why so many similar congregations aren't finding an organ that could do those great things for them.)

A while ago, we acquired a Technics FA-1 (after for many years, first using a Yamaha HE-8 with disk recorder) and have been working on building a complete set of quality hymn recordings to lead congregational singing. We would be so thrilled to link up with some Technics owners who would be willing to be hired for creating some quality recordings of the hymns and spiritual songs we don't have.

I know the MIDI stuff online is an option, but I have to admit, it is really hard to figure out how make them come to life on the Technics. It is a bummer to try to get them to sound right. If someone could solve that problem, too, I'd be so thankful.

I have a love for great organ playing, even though you could put all my organ playing ability in my little finger, and I think the FA-1 is a real treasure to help small congregations experience some good things.

It would be great to hear your ideas about how to use an organ like this more effectively. And especially, if you are willing to share some files, that would be so helpful.

Gerry

[OrgansR4Me]

I own a GA3 that records to disk. Not sure FA1 has same disk port but probably does. I'm far from a professional but I play organ for various churches in my area since organists are becoming scarce in these parts. If you don't get response from your thread feel free to send me a PM so we can discuss what you need. I'm mostly familiar with old time Baptist Hymns -- no real liturgical background.

One time my Mother and I each played organ to a recording on the GA3 for a 3 organ special. That was great fun and one dear lady became convinced that the friend we solicited to start the GA3 was really playing too!

[FA1fan]

Thank you so much for your prompt response. That is heartening!

I will stay in touch as time goes along.

I sometimes "run" the organ on Sunday to play recorded stuff. I have to confess to visitors I am a fraud -- especially when they see me walk away from the organ and it is playing its heart out.

[mashaffer]

Check out jOrgan

http://sourceforge.net/projects/jorgan/

It allows you to use the midi output of your organ to drive a virtual pipe organ and it also includes a midi recorder extension. You can record all of the keystrokes, expression pedal motions and stop actuations to a midi file that can be played back later. A bit of a learning curve but very capable and flexible system.

mike

[FA1fan]

Thank you, Mike. I am checking it out now. And I like your quote attached to your replies.

[j reimer]

Gerry,

I suggest you post an enquiry on the jOrgan Forum concerning whether the jOrgan Recorder can be used the way you would like. I am a great fan of jOrgan and its Recorder, but I don't think that it its MIDI files can be used directly with other instruments. However, there may be a work-around.

John Reimer

[mashaffer]

Yes, the idea is to use the jOrgan midi file to replay on the jOrgan virtual pipe organ not to drive another synth.

mike