A BIT OF BACKGROUND

This organ languished in St. Aidan’s Catholic Church Butlersbridge, Cavan for many years. It is an Estey Chancel Organ Style 563 with 12 stops.

The stops are Sub-bass, Bass coupler, Melodia, Dolce, Viola, Forte I, Vox Humana, Forte II, Diapason, Dulciana, Vox Jubilante, Flute, Octave Coupler.

BEFORE RESTORATION

The organ was in generally good condition. It was, as you would expect, dirty. It was intact except for a missing stop, the Melodia. I had someone turn a new one for me.

A rather tired walnut case

Moth eaten felt gasket

close up of hinges on rear right and left mutes.JPG

closeup of underside of sub bass connectors and pallets.JPG

After restoration

I refinished the case in a matt varnish. I would now French polish the case. Glues were not correct and neither were materials but it is what I had available to me and at least left the organ playable and looking well.