Mason&Hamlin, Liszt-Organ

[Richelieu]

Hi,

I'm new on this forum and I have some questions about the Liszt-Organ model of M&H.
I am going to purchase a model which has the manual range from FF to f'''.
The 'normal' Liszt-organ runs from C to c'''. Is the f to f range really a rare Instrument?
How old is such an instrument and how good or bad in relation to an "normal" Liszt-Organ is this kind of reed organ?

Thanks for your comments!

[SubBase]

Hi,
I have heard of 5 or 6 of the f-scale ones. They are from the last few years of M&H reed organs, 1915-17.
Never even heard a recording of one, so I can only imagine how dark they sound. The late-model c-scale Liszts have a thick sound.
Congrats on finding one, I hope you enjoy it, do some recording once it's playable, and come back if/whenever you have restoration Q's.
Casey

[Richelieu]

Thank you very much for your answer, Casey.
What do you think: at the moment the instrument has 435Hz.
Should I leave it or increase on 440 - 443 Hz?
I think it depends on how my chambermusic would look like, right?
But is there any disadvantage do leave the "old, natural" tuning and push it up?
Thank you for your friendly and competent support!

[SubBase]

I would not recommend a re-pitch for anyone as a first-timer.
The Liszt reeds are a pleasure to tune, the Ser. reeds are OK, the Eolian reeds would probably stump someone unfamiliar with their vagaries.
The key thing with a Liszt action is to have all the various sets of valves regulated to open fully, and set the key dip for a full 3/8".
The big reeds need a lot of air, and over time all of the valve regulation will be off a lot. Wind supply will alter the pitch.
By the time the keys are level and correct, and the valves opening fully, the pitch may be a lot closer to 437.

[Richelieu]

I forgot to say that I'm not a restorer. I am not going to tune by myself, if I would like to bring the pitch to a higher level.
I'm a reed organ enthusiast and player just since a couple of months ago. I have purchased already a wonderful restored Estey.
I would like to get as soon as possible another fantastic reed (Liszt)organ to play for both, solo and chambermusic.
I like the heavy, dark and sonorous sound of 16' stops and so I think the f to f compass of the Liszt-organ comes very close to my needs.
Would you say, that I should leave it in ist original pitch?

[SubBase]

The cost difference between tuning it to itself and a pitch raise is a good chunk of $$$$.
It will need to be tuned somewhat even with the best reed-cleaning technique. (My technique, obviously ;)

Casey