Adelaide, St Peter’s Cathedral

Wm Hill & Son, Norman & Beard 1929.

4 manual 53 stops.

The organ has been thoroughly restored with the aim of preserving its original style and character. New electrical systems have been provided and four new stops, based on the original pipe scales and tonal aesthetic, have been added. Completed 2018.

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Dismantling
Pipework
Console
Soundboards & Actions
Wind System
Swell
Misc/Assembly

H&H photos

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Photos courtesy of St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide

Adelaide dismantling

Adelaide console

Adelaide dismantling

H&H photos pre-work

Specification of work

The pipework was removed from the organ for cleaning and repair. The original pitch of the organ was re-established. The lengths of the reed pipes were checked, and those that were short were extended. Existing trebles were lengthened and re-slotted, as necessary. New pipework was provided for the Great Mixture III, Swell Mixture III and Pedal Principal 8ft & 4ft. New pipes were constructed and scaled to match the original material, and were voiced and balanced to blend with the remainder of the organ. The Pedal Contra Trombone 32ft wwere provided with a new resonator, and new boots, tongues, and shallots provided for all 12 pipes. This extension was revoiced to ensure a good blend with the remainder of the organ. The organ was tuned. The front pipes were cleaned.

Specification of work

The keyboards were overhauled and fitted with new springs and contacts. Reclaimed ivory key covers replaced those that were overly worn. The pedalboard was overhauled and fitted with new contacts. The pistons were converted to electric operation. The depth of the console casework was reduced and established in a revised position which allowed the passage of an assistant behind the organist. Woodwork was cleaned and restored.

Nov 2018

fitting keys

Aug 2018

drawstop solenoids

May 2018

working on the manuals

stop jambs

working on the manuals

console

manuals

stop jambs

Mar/Apr 2018

adelaideCraig working on the console (4)

stop jamb panels

pedalboard

fitting springs to keys

console panels

console

Jan-Feb 2018

Craig working on the keys

keys

facing jambs

bench

Nov/Dec 2017

Specification of work

Soundboards

The slider soundboards were reconstructed and provided with new tables, pallet boards and sliders. The pallets were recovered in new felt and leather. The unit chests were fully overhauled.

Actions

The manual actions were reconstructed and provided with new primary and secondary portions, and the original power motors releathered. The back Swell soundboard was provided with an independent action. The unit chest actions were overhauled and releathered with new primary and secondary portions added to the Solo Tuba. New all-electric drawstop actions were provided throughout the organ.

May 2018

Swell soundboard

front pipe actions

front pipe actipns

Corno Dolce unit chest

Apr 2018

Solo Tuba

soldering wire connections to soundboard actions

cabling

making valves

Solo Tuba

Pedal Principal chest

soundboard

Solo Tuba chest

cabling

Mar 2018

32 ft reed chest under actions

making valves

Great Open unit

action

Pedal principal purses

Great Open Wood spring pallet motors

adelaide Great open 1 unit chest (3)

Great open 1 unit chest

Feb 2018

Solo Tuba

flappers

pallets and springs

pallets

Jan 2018

Upper Great soundboard

Swell Reeds soundboard

Upper Great

Swell Reeds soundboard

Dec 2017

Swell reeds

Choir soundboard

Adelaide bush eyes for soundboards

motors

pallets and bush ties

motors

Nov 2017

soundboards

soundboard

Pedal Viole unit chest

soundboards

soundboard

Oct 2017

tremulants

Swell Reeds faceboard

soundboard

Solo soundboard

soundboard

Open Wood action

action

Specification of work

The three reservoirs which were releathered in 1990 were opened up and cleaned, and checked for soundness. The remaining six reservoirs were releathered and the control valves were restored. A new single-rise reservoir and control valve was provided for the Contra Trombone 32ft. The tremulants overhauled and releathered. The wind trunking was overhauled and made sound.

Apr 2018

Adelaide 32ft reed reservoir

Nov 2017

flappers

The swell shutters were overhauled and re-fitted. The swell-boxes were lined with dense, reflective material.

A new low-voltage electrical system was installed throughout the organ. The case woodwork was cleaned. Oak panelling was provided to enclose the mechanism for the 32ft reed. An enclosure was provided to house the blower and reservoir for the 32ft reed.