How to transport.

[Guest]

I am picking up an 1887 punp organ with 9 stops tomorrow and need to knwo if its ok to lay it down to transport. It is only small, 1.2m Long x 58cm deep x 1 metre high. Patent pending mouse peoof pedels too like im sure most have. Any help appreciated as to wether or not to lay it down as the rain may come tomorrow and would hate for it to get wet so it will be easier in the back of my large 4x4 laying down on its back if its advised. Tyia

[ChristopherDB113]

In theory, you should be okay. I think it would be a good idea to first open up the console just to see if anything in there is loose and might need to be secured first. I have an Estey and lay that on its back in my pickup for the ride home.

[Valiant Farmer]

Hi, you should have no problems, only make sure all the stops are pushed in as this will make sure no reeds fall out. They don't usually. BTW, is your organ a Bell?

[Organfella]

Good advice - especially to close all stops. Sometimes debris gets in where it should not be while tilting the old gal on her back. I would also like to know what make and style the organ is, parlor, chapel (unlikely) or whatever. Some pictures will of course be welcome.
Nico

[SubBase]

Since I restore them, I wouldn't hesitate to move an organ on its back, if necessary. What can happen is the keys getting dislocated off their guide pins, which makes it unplayable until they are repositioned. If the keys move, the octave couplers can also get haywire, which is an involved fix, but if it's unrestored, little concern. Loose reeds can vibrate out of their slots, and unless secured, the keyboard cover will slam back as soon as it is laid down. If possible, lock the key cover, use blue tape to secure the keys, and remember to look for loose reeds as soon as you can. If the back is ornamental, you may want to either remove it, or lay down a carpet remnant and a moving blanked to pad it.
All of this can be avoided moving it upright. Strap it down in an x-pattern and it won't roll or tip.