Trackers

[Guest]

Because of the migration of the forum, this thread was lost. So here it is again. ;-)

A question for discussion:

What is your opinion of trackers with electric stop action, pistons, etc.?

How about having a movable console in addition to the tracker console?

[Havoc]

It isn't a tracker if as electric action. And movable consoles...aaaarrggggghhhhhh!

[VaPipeorgantuner]

If the implementation of the system that controls the sliders does not interfere with the playability of the organ and stop action, why would there be an objection. The system to move the sliders/stop knobs must be fast and QUIET, which not all of the implementations that I have seen/worked on are, and must add little or no resistance to the hand operation of the stop controls. Modern stop control accessories do not negate the playing feel or other benefits of mechanical action organs when they are done correctly, but they can add significantly to the cost of the instrument.

Detached movable console as a second console is an expensive option, as it requires not only the cost of the cabinetry, additional keyboards and pedalboard along with stop controls and possibly a second control system, but adds to the cost of the organ by adding in the costs of electric or pneumatic pull-downs, and if they are not done carefully they could interfere with the mechanical playing action from the inboard console...perhaps worth the cost in a high-end concert instrument, but for a church installation it would be an expensive luxury. If you want the detached console, why go to the trouble of constructing the mechanical playing action as well? it's double the work and has the possibility of being unsuccessful from both consoles if the design and construction are less than stellar. Just a quick thought.

Rick in VA

[Austin766]

In a very, very large church it might be worth the cost to have the mobile, electric console, but for the most part I think if you're getting a tracker, stick to just the inboard keydesk. Also, if the instrument will be used extensively for concerts, then it may be a really good idea to have the electric stop action.

[Philip the organist]

@Johan64
IIRC you didn't get a chance to play the big von Beckerath in the RC cathedral in Pittsburgh on the OHS tour-I wish you had.
It had electric stop action, sequencer, multiple memory levels, all the special electric stuff, but the action was mechanical and very comfortable to play. Trying to push and pull mechanical stopknobs for a huge 100+rank organ like that would be an exercise in frustration. :P Only thing I was unsure about was the electric couplers. Four manuals mechanically coupled without Barker assistance is very hard to play so the electric coupling system was nice, but it lost the intimacy of an all-mechanical system.

Christ Church, Rochester is a different thing, and entirely mechanical. Only 33 stops so it's much more manageable. Modern Paul Jacobs-ish stuff you can't do, but it's incredibly easy to register for historic performance.

[Guest]

@ Philip, I was able to play a chord on the von Beckerath--with no stops pulled. LOL It was a very comfortable action. It's too bad that we didn't have more time there. :-(

[Guest]

The organ at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Auckland, NZ is fairly small - II/16(or so); with tracker action on the manuals and pedals, but electric for the stops and combination action.