I have an opportunity to obtain a Beckwith Cathedral Chapel Organ, Grand Orchestral Action E (6 octaves), $125 firm price. In the 1904 Beckwith catalogue, this organ is listed as the largest action made by the company. From the sale photos, the case/keyboard/stop board appear to be in very fine condition. I have been told that it plays well, but you KNOW how that goes! This is only the second Beckwith of this case style that I have ever seen, and the first with the extended 6 octave action. The first one, a 5 octave action E, that I rebuilt in 1986 (still going strong, btw!) is in a church in Chittenden, Vermont. I have played this organ many, many times over the years and have always been impressed by the quality and volume of sound that organ puts out; especially given it was a mail order organ through Sears, Roebuck & Co.
However, I have to make a 3200 mile round-trip to pick up this GOA organ. I would appreciate some input on how crazy or sane you think I am to make the trip to get this organ. Maybe one of you owns or has worked on one of these? Thank you in advance for your learned opinions! Matt
However, I have to make a 3200 mile round-trip to pick up this GOA organ. I would appreciate some input on how crazy or sane you think I am to make the trip to get this organ. Maybe one of you owns or has worked on one of these? Thank you in advance for your learned opinions! Matt
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