I am seeking information about a pump organ that I have owned for many years.
It is an AR Pratte pump organ
The label on the organ states: A.R.Pratte Montreal Canada
Any help is greatly appreciated.
PS:
How can I post a picture of the AR Pratte pump organ?
Last edited by RJC; 04-18-2018, 04:41 PM.
Reason: I am trying to post a picture
Welcome to the Forum! I would suggest you search the Reed Organ Database: http://www.reedsoc.org/Database/data...=0&ExtraPict=0. There is only limited information on the builder, but no organs so far. It sounds like you have a rather unique instrument.
Posting pictures in only available to new members (for obvious reasons) after a few initial posts are verified. After that, when you click on Go Advanced, you'll see an area below the entry box where you can upload photos and manage attachments.
Hope this helps, and I hope you continue to contribute on the Forum!
Michael
Way too many organs to list, but I do have 5 Allens:
Welcome to the Forum! I would suggest you search the Reed Organ Database: http://www.reedsoc.org/Database/data...=0&ExtraPict=0. There is only limited information on the builder, but no organs so far. It sounds like you have a rather unique instrument.
Posting pictures in only available to new members (for obvious reasons) after a few initial posts are verified. After that, when you click on Go Advanced, you'll see an area below the entry box where you can upload photos and manage attachments.
Hope this helps, and I hope you continue to contribute on the Forum!
Michael
Last edited by myorgan; 04-18-2018, 06:39 PM.
Reason: Correct quote.
Hi and welcome to the Pumper Forum! You will not be sorry that you joined this bunch.
You might want to do some searching for Dominion and Cornwall organs on the Reed Organ Data base as well. It appears that the manufacturers cut their teeth on those models (reading the write-up on the data base) It is likely that your model will incorporate some of the features of those manufacturers. Anyhow the search might provide some interesting reading if nothing else. And I seriously suspect that with names like that the mentioned LouisEtienneNapoleon Pratte was certainly not of Greek origin....;-).
Good hunting!
Nico
"Don't make war, make music!" Hammonds, Lowreys, Yamaha's, Gulbransens, Baldwin, Technics, Johannus. Reed organs. Details on request... B-)
Hi and welcome to the Pumper Forum! You will not be sorry that you joined this bunch.
You might want to do some searching for Dominion and Cornwall organs on the Reed Organ Data base as well. It appears that the manufacturers cut their teeth on those models (reading the write-up on the data base) It is likely that your model will incorporate some of the features of those manufacturers. Anyhow the search might provide some interesting reading if nothing else. And I seriously suspect that with names like that the mentioned LouisEtienneNapoleon Pratte was certainly not of Greek origin....;-).
Pratte was more of a distributor than a builder, at least that is what I found on my research of them so far. They often purchased from Estey, installed a keyboard transposer in it with some added keyslip modifications, then slapped their name on it as if it looked like it was made by them. I have to yet see proof that they actually made harmoniums or reed organs, regardless of what the Canadian Encyclopedia or advertisements of the day has to say... If they actually did manufacture their own, there would not be very many in existence.
A.R. Pratte would point to a later model. It would be interesting so see what it looks like.
Rodney
To play a reed organ or harmonium, it helps to disconnect your feet from your brain and connect them to your emotions.
Most of all, be creative, make music and have fun...
Pratte was more of a distributor than a builder, at least that is what I found on my research of them so far. They often purchased from Estey, installed a keyboard transposer in it with some added keyslip modifications, then slapped their name on it as if it looked like it was made by them. I have to yet see proof that they actually made harmoniums or reed organs, regardless of what the Canadian Encyclopedia or advertisements of the day has to say... If they actually did manufacture their own, there would not be very many in existence.
A.R. Pratte would point to a later model. It would be interesting so see what it looks like.
The pump organ has carrying handles.
Here is a picture of the back which I have opened up.
Notice the screw driver tool that came with the pump organ.
Also you can see the serial number...perhaps those inclined to do research can find these photos helpful.
The pump organ has carrying handles.
[snip]
Notice the screw driver tool that came with the pump organ.
That handle appears original, and it is what I'd expect to see on such an organ.
The "screwdriver tool" in the back serves a double purpose. It has a screwdriver on one end, and on the other end of the circle, you'll find a reed-puller. It looks a bit like a crocheting hook, but it is actually used to pull the reeds for cleaning. The hook part goes in the divet/notch at the end of the base of the reed. Don't do anything drastic with the reeds because they can be quite fragile. However, you can pull any reed that is silent, and blow sharply across the reed, and loosen any dust between the reed and the housing. Any spec of dust can silence a reed.
Hope this helps a little.
Michael
Way too many organs to list, but I do have 5 Allens:
Interesting looking piece. And I am intrigued by the keyboard. Can you tell in which key it is? Reminds me a lot about my little Holdernesse which is also a compact traveller but it is a pressure organ. Your one looks like a suction model. Here is a couple of pics of my one taken before I cleaned off the muck:
Pretty little thing. Enjoy!
Nico
"Don't make war, make music!" Hammonds, Lowreys, Yamaha's, Gulbransens, Baldwin, Technics, Johannus. Reed organs. Details on request... B-)
That handle appears original, and it is what I'd expect to see on such an organ.
The "screwdriver tool" in the back serves a double purpose. It has a screwdriver on one end, and on the other end of the circle, you'll find a reed-puller. It looks a bit like a crocheting hook, but it is actually used to pull the reeds for cleaning. The hook part goes in the divet/notch at the end of the base of the reed. Don't do anything drastic with the reeds because they can be quite fragile. However, you can pull any reed that is silent, and blow sharply across the reed, and loosen any dust between the reed and the housing. Any spec of dust can silence a reed.
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