Schober Organ Notes Nos. 1 - 38

OVERTURE

This abridgment contains the still valid items from our newsletters 1 through 38. All "no longer valid" items have been deleted. I assume the following are still "valid" because I haven't been notified to the contrary. ---------------------------------------------------------------------

FROM ISSUE #1 (JULY 1990)

First business of the day is to give heartfelt THANKS to MRS. LAURA RAMSEY for all her help. We wouldn't have moved off square one without it. From that point on .. the help and encouragement of the "SCHOBER ORPHANS" .. and FRIENDS of the aforementioned .. made the entire endeavor enjoyable, interesting, and worthwhile. "FRIENDS of the aforementioned" are the folks who no longer have their Schobers but want to be part of our group and want to help. THANK YOU and WELCOME!

GENERIC NUMBERS

If you know the generic number (or have a substitution) for a Schober part, please "send it along". It might save some Schoberite a lot of headaches.

PC BOARDS

JIM FLOYD writes; "If anyone is desperate for Recital or Theatre PC boards, I may be able to help." Jim generated "negatives" when he built two Schobers. He also says he has a local source for making the boards. This gives me the opportunity to thank Jim for the help he's given.

FROM ISSUE #2 (SEPTEMBER 1990)

TRANSISTOR #045500

CONRAD HELBER writes that a good substitute for the Schober #045500 is the #2N3904. He mentioned that it is probably "huskier" and has a few endearing qualities such as: being available and "cheap".

ON TRANSISTOR #046127

JOHN MORRISEY'S letter contained the following; "In referring to the RCA TRANSISTOR MANUAL, the specs of their 2N404 indicates that it is a substitute for the Schober 046127. However, RCA recommends their 40411 power transistor with audio outputs of 70 watts and their 40409 in the driver stages. GE shows their 4011 and 4009 as substitutes for the 40411 and 40409. Radio Shack lists their 276-2007 as a substitute for the 2N404 and their 276-2030 for the 40409."

FROM ISSUE #3 (NOVEMBER 1990)

MORE ON SCHOBER TRANSISTORS

PHIL BECKER writes; "Schober #980451-046127 transistor is 2N404 selected for a Beta of 100 @1mA emitter current."

CO-INCIDENTALLY RAY DEVAULT sent the following; "Schober used signal transistors 046127, 045500, and 045000 selected to a Beta of right around 100 @1mA".

FROM ISSUE #4 (JANUARY 1991)

REZOUNDER

RAY DEVAULT'S recent letter had the following info on the Schober Rezounder: If you have very little reverb time, it could be transistors #169 and #171. Ray suggests replacing them with 2N4403 transistors which have much better specs for this service.

NEED COPIES OF ASSEMBLY, TROUBLE SHOOTING, ETC. PAGES?

The following have offered their help on the models shown:

CONSOLETTE: WILLARD BRIGGS, 112 GRAND AVE., LAFAYETTE, LA 70503

RECITAL: HOWARD Y. McBEE, c/o AACTION STUDIOS, 18675 BIRCHCREST AVE., DETROIT, MI 48221

SPINET: JACK GILDAR, 200 CLAYTON CIRCLE, VACAVILLE, CA 95687-5913

THEATRE: ROBERT W. HAND, 32 VREELAND AVE., HAWTHORNE, NJ 07506

I have no idea of what their "out of pocket" expenses may be for copying and mailing, so you'll have to work out the details with them.

FROM ISSUE #5 (FEBRUARY 1991)

KEYBOARDS

It appears that keyboards for Schobers are no longer manufactured in the U.S.A. PRATT-READ is completely out of the keyboard business and, as far as can be determined, no other American firm builds keyboards that are readily adaptable to Schobers.

FROM ISSUE #7 (JUNE 1991)

CAN YOU HELP?

JOHN MORRISEY is looking for the following:

1) A copy of the E. POWER BIGGS recording; "The Art of the Organ".

2) Alan Douglas' "Electronic Music Instruction Manual".

John's address is: 45 SOUTH FIFTH ST. PARK RIDGE, NJ 07656

FROM ISSUE #8 (AUGUST 1991)

RICHARD DORF

In answer to the folks who have requested information on Dick, I'm sorry to report that he passed away June 27, 1989.

DEVTRONIX MIDI

RAY DEVAULT says that Devtronix now offers two reasonably priced MIDI models: MIDI MODEL A: Organ/Synthesizer Interface System. MIDI MODEL B: Organ record - playback system. If you'd like more info on these MIDIs, write and ask for their "flyer".

FROM ISSUE #9 (OCTOBER 1991)

COMBINATION ACTION PARTS

KLANN ORGAN SUPPLY, in reply to a request I sent, furnished a list of tripper combination action parts that are available to Schober owners. Mr. Ivanoff's accompanying letter included information that wasn't on the parts list. A copy of the letter and parts list is available (from me) for one SASE plus one loose first class stamp. If you'd rather write direct: P.O. BOX 2398 WAYNESBORO, VA 22980

ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS

Word has come from Schoberites, with a lot more Schober "know-how" than I have, that the first components to suspect when your Schober "just-ain't-right" are the small electrolytic capacitors (you know .. the ones with + and -). They also recommend that all the old electrolytics with the same mfd and voltage rating be replaced then and there.

ADD VOICES?

JIM HIGBEE recently sent some circuits, that I requested, for additional Theatre Organ voices. Thanks Jim. If you have circuits for filters (voices) for any model Schober, send them along (a rough sketch is fine). I'll compile them so they'll be available in the future.

AND THANK YOU:

JOHN ROYCROFT for sending over 600 letters to folks on our "SCHOBER OWNERS" list.

BOB ANDERSON for "setting up" a computer file on the folks and Schobers in our group.

FROM ISSUE #10 (DECEMBER 1991)

I GOOFED

You may find the above hard to believe but once in a millennium I do.

WALT ARNOLDI (sometime ago) sent the following information and I just discovered that I didn't pass it along. Walt said that the Schober 045000 is replaceable by a 2N3906.

ORGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

ALEX SMOOT sent a bunch of "good stuff" that contained, among a lot of other goodies, a catalog from the Organ Historical Society. That name was new to me and it occurred to me that it might be new to some of you? I didn't count them, but there must be over 100 recordings listed in the catalog. My guess would be that the catalog is available on request. Anyway, if you're interested, it "couldn't hurt" to try. Its name is: "The OHS Catalog" and the Organ Historical Society's address is: P.O. BOX 26811 RICHMOND, VA 23261

CRAZY?

TOM SOUDER says he purchased "all the percussions from the local theatre organ" and he's interested in connecting them to his Schober Theatre console. He asks if anyone has been crazy enough to try this? If anyone feels he may be able to help Tom back to the path of sanity ... contact him at: 625 PINE ST. MILLVILLE, NJ 08332

Tom is also interested in any or all of the following: SCHOBER ORGAN COURSES ZB-1, ZB-2, or ZBC-1' "PLAY LIKE A PRO" Vol. 1

FROM ISSUE #11 (FEBRUARY 1992)

ANOTHER ELECTRONIC ORGAN GROUP

The September/October 1991 issue of THEATRE ORGAN carried an item on a newly formed "Electronic Organ Group". I gather that it has the support and blessing of the American Theatre Organ Society. Col. Jack Moelmann is "heading up" the group. If you're interested in more info on the group, drop me a line.

SUBSTITUTING TRANSISTORS

RAY DEVAULT (Devtronix) sent a warning about using generic transistors to replace Schober transistors. Ray said that the current "off the shelf" 2N3904 and 2N3906 are high Beta transistors, while the Schober 045000 and 045500 have Betas of about 100.

FROM ISSUE #12 (APRIL 1992)

PEDAL REPAIR KIT

It appears that Schober had early problems with flat springs because they offered a "RECITAL PEDAL CLAVIER MODIFICATION" kit that consisted of: 32 Coil Springs, Screw eyes, and Screws. Installation instructions for the kit were in Schober's Information Bulletin #BN039. A copy of BN039 is available (from me) for 1 SASE and 1 "loose" first class stamp.

PIPE DREAMS

LARRY BLYLY wondered why there was no mention of "PIPE DREAMS" (a radio program of organ music) in any of our newsletters. (My reason: I had no knowledge of it). The program is celebrating its 10th anniversary and (I quote from the descriptive literature Larry sent): "PIPE DREAMS was on 145 stations at last count". I assume more information may be available by writing to: PIPE DREAMS MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO ST. PAUL, MN 55101

THEATRE ORGAN PEDAL SWITCHES

TOM SOUDER says he solved his problem with micro switches #SMS 483 RT from ALL ELECTRONICS CORP., PO Box 567, VAN NUYS, CA 91408. He went on to say; "I had to devise a mounting which I will show anyone interested." Tom's address is: 625 E. PINE ST. MILLVILE, NJ 08332

FROM ISSUE #15 (OCTOBER 1992)

FOR GEORGE WRIGHT FANS

BILL KOHRUMEL writes that recent GEORGE WRIGHT CDs are available from: BANDA RECORDS PO BOX 392 OXNARD, CA 93032

SCHOBER 045100 RECTIFIER

STUART LADNER says he fixed his Theatre Organ power supply 045100 rectifier problem by replacing it with a #NTE 5814 Industrial Rectifier ... Manufactured by: NTE ELECTRONICS INC., BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003.

2532 IC

JIM FLOYD is looking for one of the above for his Combination Action. If you can help Jim, contact him at: 1416 ESSEX PARK LEXINGTON, KY 40502

PIPE ORGAN CD

CARL LAMBIE writes that a CD of the NEWBERRY MEMORIAL ORGAN at YALE UNIVERSITY is available for $16.95 + $1 S&H from: JAMES JOHNSTON RECORD IMPORTS FORT MEYERS, FL 33919

FROM ISSUE #16 (DECEMBER 1992)

TECH TALK

CHARLES CAMERON writes; "I did a couple of modifications on my Schober Theatre model which I would be very happy to share:

1. A rework of the expression pedal bracket for the 10K pot which has given me a much longer pot life.

2. A rework of the pedal leaf switches which allows the removal of the pedal assembly as a unit (including the switches) for moving the organ or for switch maintenance."

If you'd like more info, here's Charlie's address: 215 WEST SECOND ST. BOX 1246 LYMAN, WA 98263 # 4

LDR - 1

A few folks have had a problem with the above LDR's. It appears that the available stock of Schober originals has been depleted ... so the question is: Has anyone found a suitable substitute for this LDR? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

046127 TRANSISTORS

PHIL STROBRIDGE says he has some spare Schober #046127 transistors. He says that many of them are "red-marked". If you need some, write to: PHIL STROBRIDGE 3508 MADRONA DR. SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105

FROM ISSUE #17 (FEBRUARY 1993)

SOUND LEAKAGE

BILL McCLENAHAN suggests; "Direct wire connections of the grounds" in older Recitals. He went on to say that by doing so, he was able to reduce annoying sound leakage almost to the vanishing point. For more info. ... Contact Bill: 2600 HERITAGE WOODS DR., #308 APPLETON, WI 54915

FROM ISSUE #18 (APRIL 1993)

C-II STOP REPAIR TIP

RUSSELL KEMPA writes; "I have a repair tip on stop tablets for the Consolette II .. in case anyone may have cracked mechanisms such as I had at one time. Russell's address is: 713 SOUTH STATE ST. VINELAND, NJ 08360

'ORNARY' THEATRE PEDAL SWITCHES

GILBERT KOPPERT says his solution uses micro switches. If you are interested in how he did it, here's his address and phone #: 10909 138th ST. OMAHA, NE 68142 (402) 238-2783

FROM ISSUE #19 (JUNE 1993)

SPRUNG SPRINGS

ROY WILCOX has come up with a rather unique but practical sounding solution to weak and/or broken pedal springs. Roy has furnished other TechTalk Tips and I'll pass them along as soon as I can. Roy's address is: 1404 FOREST AVE. WILMETTE, IL 60091

GHANA - WEST AFRICA

Yep! There is a Schober Recital in Ghana, West Africa. A recent letter from Mr. T.K. Doughan of Brookline, Mass. appraised me of this fact.

SWAP & SHOP

COMBINATION ACTION PARTS

ARTHUR VOS, JR. writes that he has the following parts available for the Schober CTM-2:
An Air Unit (Pump), Relay Assembly, and Power Supply. For details, contact Arthur at: 930 BONNIE BRAE BLVD. DENVER, CO 80209

FROM ISSUE #20 (AUGUST 1993)

INDUCTORS

RAY DEVAULT wants to assure our group that DEVTRONIX still furnishes .5H and 1H inductors suitable for Schober "voices" (filters).

SBA BBS

DR. ED. PETERSON writes; "I recently learned of a very useful (and even more important FREE) BBS operated by the Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C. If you or your readers have any interest, their toll free number is 800 859 4636 (for 2,400 baud service) and 800 697 4636 (for 9,600 baud service)". Ed went on to say that one file, that some Schoberites might find particularly useful, is listed in area 23 under the file name: E-Help.EXE. Ed says it is a useful Electronic Circuit Design Program with a section for calculating the resonance frequency of tuned circuits (such as are found in the Schober reed voices).

FROM ISSUE #21 (OCTOBER 1993)

PHIL BECKER writes that he can furnish the instructions for a RECITAL pedal spring modification that he's made to two organs. Here's Phil's address: 3 OLD EVERGREEN RD. BEDFORD, NH 03102

FROM ISSUE #22 (DECEMBER 1993)

ON THE SUBJECT OF ICs

WALT ARNOLDI offered this intriguing suggestion in one of his letters; "It occurs to me that it would be interesting to ask a few simple questions in Organ Notes: How many readers have made changes to use them (ICs); What benefits were achieved, and what chips (by number) have been preferred for the various circuits involved." SO ... if you substituted/modified any Schober circuits with ICs, "let us in on it". (Or maybe you "added" a (IC) circuit or circuits). WHATEVER ... we're interested in hearing about your experience!

RADIO .. LINK?

For almost three years our only LINK was our newsletter (supplemented by some personal correspondence). Then PETE STARK gave us a new LINK ... a computer BULLETIN BOARD.[NOTE from Pete Stark: The BBS is now "off the air."]

Now, it appears to me that we have the potential for another LINK ... AMATEUR RADIO. A number of folks in our group pursue AMATEUR RADIO as a hobby. (I'll furnish a list of these folks for a SASE). So why don't you guys get together and set up a RADIO LINK for our group?

INVITATION

BOB CARBAUGH finished his first letter to me with the following sentence; "You or anyone interested have a standing invitation to visit us anytime (Phone 717 367 7102)". In a later letter, Bob expanded his invitation to include phoning and/or writing. Earlier in his letter Bob had mentioned, in addition to some info on his (Schober/Devtronix/Artisan/and some pipes) organ, that he and his wife (and young son) have a small farm south of Hershey where "we live, by choice, a somewhat rustic lifestyle". Bob's address is: (you have his phone number) 6383 SCHOOLHOUSE RD. ELIZABETHTOWN, PA 17022

FROM ISSUE #23 (FEBRUARY 1994)

VIBRATO/TREMOLO

MR. E. MICHAEL BERG'S letter contained some interesting thoughts. I'll quote (in part) from his letter; "I was very unhappy with the vibrato of the (Recital) organ. Pipe organs have tremolo. And of course the stop should be labeled "Tremulant". To continue; "I found I was able to banish the dreaded vibrato from my "classical" instrument with a mere four strokes of the soldering iron!

Here's how it works: The Schober vibrato circuit uses the perceived change in frequency caused by a change in phase (i.e. the Doppler Effect). This is achieved by a simple "phase splitter" circuit with a light-dependent resistor, activated by a lamp varying in brightness at a frequency determined by the vibrato oscillator. The two signals from the phase-splitter are combined in different proportions by the action of the light-dependent resistor, causing the final signal to vary in phase. We hear the apparent variation in frequency as vibrato. So what do we do to make it a simple tremolo? We simply remove the capacitor that feeds the out-of-phase to the next amplifier stage. (Actually only unsolder one of its leads, breaking the connection .. there's no need to completely remove it. That way it won't get lost.) There are four capacitors to be disconnected in total, one in each of two phase-splitter stages in each of two pre-amp channels. Now the signal only passes through the light-dependent resistor, and its amplitude varies at the speed of the vibrato oscillator, approx. 7 cycles per second. Phase, and therefore frequency, is not affected. Voila, Tremulant! This feature could even be switched so that one could choose either tremolo or vibrato. The capacitors to be disconnected on a PRR-3 board would be those marked 9,17,53, and 61 on the schematic. I actually have a different pre-amp board in my organ but the principles are the same. I hope this is of use or interest to some owners." UNQUOTE. If you have questions ... here's Michael's address: MR. E. MICHAEL BERG 5456 NOBLE AVE. VAN NUYS, CA 91411

FROM ISSUE #25 (JUNE 1994)

MORE ON #046200

BOB CARBAUGH in reply to GORDON HOUK'S question on the Schober #046200 transistor says that it was used on some versions of the Recital tone generators.

USING I.C.s

WALT ARNOLDI writes and I quote in part from his letter; "I have used ICs in my Consolette II primarily for circuit board compactness, also for better S/N performance and far greater durability. ICs were used as follows:

BUS AMPLIFIERS: TL084 (quad amps.) in later version, for more pitch registers.

Also used LM7805 and LM7905 voltage regulators for compatibility with Devtronix keyers.

MANUAL AND PEDAL COUPLERS: CD 4066 (quad bilateral switch) after adding pitch registers, all keyboards, to permit single-contact coupler tabs.

BUCKET BRIGADE REVERB: SAD4096 and RD5108A (bucket brigades) Two of 5108 when 4096 was unobtainable.

LM555 (timer) and CD4013 (flip-flop) for clock frequency.

NE571 (compander, later eliminated by circuit changes.)

LM324 and RC4136 (quad amps) LM7812 (voltage regulator)

SWELL SHOE: NE571 (dual voltage controlled amplifiers) to avoid noise and limited life of swell shoe potentiometers.

All of these applications performed well and as designed ..... All were installed in sockets on perforated circuit boards, with wiring on the underside. Basic understanding of each IC is essential to success .. bus amplifiers are most suitable for a beginner's project. I regret that I disposed of most of my notes and diagrams ... It is difficult to recall details six years later."

FROM ISSUE #26 (AUGUST 1994)

ALESIS MICROVERB

MICHAEL BERG, in one of his earlier letters, furnished this info; "There is a digital reverb unit called the Alesis Microverb that is now quite old (five years, that's ancient in digital audio!) It can be found for sale in USED EQUIPMENT magazines for between $50 and $100.

SHEET MUSIC & FAKE BOOKS

GEORGE REIM writes that he has; "a number of real old fake books, and a collection of sheet music magazines." He went on to say that he'll copy any song he has - for a SASE. For any further info - you'll have to contact George: 6230 ARCHWOOD LANE ST. LOUIS, MO 63123-1728 C.A.

AND REVERB

EDOUARD ROCHER writes; "I could use a Combination Action and any electronic replacement for the Reverbatape." His address: 77 OLD POST RD. CENTERVILLE, MA 02632-2920

FROM ISSUE #27 (OCTOBER 1994)

NEED RECITAL STOP-TABS?

MICHAEL BERG has compiled a list of the tabs he has. They (one or more) are available for the cost of shipping. For a list of the tabs, send a SASE to Michael at the address shown below:

LIBRARY OF STOPS KIT?

MICHAEL says; "I would like to obtain, at best, a "LIBRARY OF STOPS KIT" for my Recital, or if no-one has one available, a few stop filter boards to build up some custom stops." If you can help, Michael's address is: 5456 NOBLE AVE. VAN NUYS, CA 91411

FROM ISSUE #28 (DECEMBER 1994)

PAiA ELECTRONICS

PAiA kits are still available. Their catalog contains quite a few kits that "Schober organ putterers" might consider interesting and inexpensive additions to their instruments. To receive their catalog, write to: PAiA ELECTRONICS, INC. 3200 TEAKWOOD LANE EDMOND, OK 73013 Ph: (405) 340-6300

FROM ISSUE #29 (FEBRUARY 1995)

O.N. #27 posed the question; "What would happen to our group and this newsletter if something happens to yours truly, Fred Henn?" I'm happy to report that two kind souls have volunteered to help in that event - at least on a temporary basis! So now you have someone to contact (and I suggest you SAVE THESE NAMES AND ADDRESSES: MR. BILL KOHRUMEL 852 SUGAR VALLEY COURT ST. PETERS, MO 63376-7472 AND MR. JACK D.GILDAR 200 CLAYTON CIRCLE VACAVILLE, CA 95687-5913

A ZILLION PROJECTS?

Chuck Reynolds says he has a zillion projects that need assembling. and wondered if I knew of anyone who might be interested in doing them for a reasonable per unit fee. I don't ... but maybe you do? If you have a suggestion(s) that might help Chuck - here's his address: MR. CHARLES REYNOLDS 648 NORTHLIGHT CIRCLE WEBSTER, NY 14580-9409

NEED TAPE LOOPS?

TOM SOUDER would like to trade 20 Reverbatape TAPE LOOPS for the Schober Organ Course. You can contact Tom at: 625 E. PINE ST. MILLVILLE, NJ 08332

COMPUTER GENERATED MUSIC

DAVE HENRY'S letter contained this interesting paragraph. I quote; "If you are interested in music and computers or know of anyone that is you might be interested in knowing that I have created computer programs for the Atari ST and PC compatibles that play a large number of different types of music files, using MIDI ports, through a synthesizer. Some of the organs really sound good using the Roland SC-55mkII." If you'd like more info: 1720 WICKERSHAM DR. ANCHORAGE, AK 99507-1350

FROM ISSUE #30 (APRIL 1995)

RECITAL "BUG" TIP

JOSEPH DEW writes: "Here is a solution to a "bug" that plagued me for years - my Swell manual had background stringy voicing when all stop tabs were off. This was caused by a poor ground circuit (RRS-1 board) where groups of stop filters were serviced by bolted connections to the metal frame. I corrected this by soldering an external ground (properly insulated) wire to the input ground source and jumpered it from section to section until all the circuit board grounded areas were at the same potential." (Joe stated that it worked well and he intends to solder jumpers around ALL mechanical joints). Mr. Joseph K. Dew 2361 Ivy Place La Habra, CA 90631

32" PEDAL?

DOUG STEEVES writes; "I have Ed Peterson's material for adding a 32' pedal to the Recital organ. Any interest?" Doug's address is: 11 HEATHER DR. MONCTON, N.B. CANADA E1E 1C6

FROM ISSUE #31 (JUNE 1995)

3 MANUAL CONVERSION

DOUG STEEVES wonders if anyone is interested in how he converted his RECITAL to 3 manuals.

& REVERBATAPE PARTS

DOUG says he has quite a few reverbatape parts .. including motors, transformers, rubber drive wheels, and cases.

PARTS SOURCES

KENNETH KERR writes that the March 1995 issue of MONITORING TIMES lists some supply companies which may be of interest to Schoberites:

MOUSER ELECTRONICS, 2401 Highway 287 N., Mansfield, TX 76063-4827. (No minimum order restrictions) If it isn't in their catalog, call them: (800) 346-6873. They can probably find it.

JDR MICRODEVICES, 1850 S. 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112-4108 .. Sales: (800) 538-5000 .. Tech. Support: (800) 538-5002. (No minimum order).

MCM ELECTRONICS, 650 Congress Park Dr., Centerville, OH 45459-4072 (A $20 minimum order policy) (800) 543-4330

FROM ISSUE #32 (AUGUST 1995)

SCHOBER TR-2 H-U-M-M-M

JOHNNY HOFFMAN says; "For years I have been annoyed by excessive hum from my Schober TR-2 amp., so on a lark I opened the bottom and replaced the small signal transistors with some MPS 3638 A's and the hum is gone. If you'd like more details .. here's John's address: P.O. BOX 720416 PINON HILLS, CA 92372

REZOUNDER & TR-3D TIPS

ORRIN RATHBUN offers the following tips: REZOUNDER: I had one (still have it). It worked pretty well for the manual tones, but canceled out pedal tones. I solved the problem by splitting the pedal output, and sending the signal through a separate preamp, amp., and speaker system.

ONE CHANNEL LOSS ON TR-3D AMPLIFIER:

I removed the amp. from the case, looked it over carefully and couldn't see anything that appeared to be wrong. So I used a very soft artist's brush and carefully removed all the dust from the amplifier parts and then put the amp. back into its case. The result was: I have not had any trouble since. Orrin went on to say; If any of this is of interest to anyone, I will try to clarify anything that is not clear to the reader: 1310 SOUTH BUNN ST. BLOOMINGTON, IL 61701-6919

FROM ISSUE #33 (OCTOBER 1995)

PIPE ORGAN PERCUSSIONS

DON SHAW writes that (although his primary interest is in building Pipe organ percussions) he's building trap modules with toy counters and three tuned percussions to play with electronic organs. If you'd like more information on Don's work, you can write to him at: 3105 POMONA BAKERSFIELD, CA 93305 Or phone: (805) 871-1232

GOLD SPRINGS NEEDED

JIM SHEEHAN reminded me, in a recent letter, that he's still looking for 2 or 3 Schober "gold springs"! If you can help Jim, here's his address: 21 Stony Wood Rd. E. Setauket, N.Y. 11733

FROM ISSUE #34 (DECEMBER 1995)

ORGAN MUSIC FOLIOS & BOOKS

MUSIC DISPATCH's Fall - Winter 1995 ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD & ORGAN CATALOG lists about 6 pages of organ music and books. Here's their address: MUSIC DISPATCH P.O. BOX 13920 MILWAUKEE, WI 53213

GOLDMINE?

ELECTRONIC GOLDMINE sent a copy of their catalog a while ago and they do offer some unusual electronic stuff. If you're interested in seeing their catalog ... you can write to: ELECTRONIC GOLDMINE P.O. BOX 5408 SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85261 Phone # (602) 451-7454 Fax # (602) 451-9495

AND ANOTHER CATALOG

THE MUSIC STAND sent their (not requested) Christmas 1995 catalog to me. It's loaded with "music-motif" items ... everything from coffee mugs to tee shirts. Their address is: 1 MUSIC STAND PLAZA 66 BENNING ST. WEST LEBANON, NH 03784

FROM ISSUE #35 (DECEMBER 1995)

CORRESPONDENCE LIST

BOB ANDERSON, in addition to maintaining a database of Schober organs and owners, has offered to furnish (to anyone interested) a list of folks in our group who would like to correspond with others in our group. Bob estimates that his cost to produce and mail one list would be about $1.25 ... so if you're interested ... contact: MR. ROBERT L. ANDERSON 2608 WINTER ST. ST. ALBANS, WV 25177-3319 or phone:(304) 727-7389

PROTECTING PEDALS

From JACK MOELMANN'S ETONE November 1995 newsletter: GEORGE FENN suggests; Clear plastic outdoor weatherstrip (such as "Frost King") as temporary protection for organ pedals. George goes on to say; "It provides a glossy appearance and my temporary expedient has lasted over five years" .. and .. "This strip is available in rolls 1" wide with self-adhesive and it is about five times as thick and about five times as tough as regular cellophane mending tape".

THEATRE ORGAN CDs and TAPES

MIDNIGHT PRODUCTIONS, INC. is offering a variety of Theatre Organs and organists on CD and tape cassette. I won't list the organs but here are some of the organists: Ashley Miller, Ralph Ringstad, Tom Hazelton, Lyn Larson, Jonas Nordwall, and, of course, George Wright. If you're interested in the listing with prices send for their catalog: P.O. BOX 68 WALDWICK, NJ 07463 Ph: (201) 670-6660 Order line (Toll-Free) 1-800-788-11007

COMBINATION ACTION

DR. STIER writes; "I still have (available) the (Recital) combination action power supply, and operating levers connecting the action to the stop tablets. He went on to say that he prefers letters over phone calls ... so if you'd like further info - here's his address: DR. ROBERT A. STIER, M.D. 1010 COMSTOCK COURT SPOKANE, WA 99203

FROM: ISSUE #36 (MARCH 1996)

KEYBOARD/PC BOARD STAND-OFFS

BOB HAND: phoned to tell me that he used ordinary (water faucet) washers as "separators" .. held in place with ordinary nuts and bolts.

DAVID GIBSON: says he obtained nylon support posts from DigiKey .. Part # RP409-ND. He says; "I found that the .187 diameter was just about right to give a very snug fit (and slightly sore fingers). The .18 height is actually a little bit too tall, but that was the smallest size provided. ... and the posts sell for $2.06 for 10 ($17.14 per 100, but that's way more than you need)". Dave went on to explain shipping charges, etc. and that the info came from DigiKey catalog #961, page 313. He also supplied DigiKey's 800 number and INTERNET address.

AL GAMMAGE: phoned and said he used plastic bolts and double nuts (one nut above the board and one below .. to get the proper spacing between the metal frame and the PC board.

GEORGE REIM also used plastic nuts and bolts (which he says he got from a local AIRPLANE HOBBY SHOP) but he cut pieces of plastic tubing to the right length for proper spacing between the metal frame and PC board. If you're interested in details from any of the above, but you don't have an address(es), drop me a line ... I can furnish addresses

FREE DEV. 240-5 DIODE KEYER

GEORGE REIM writes that he has the above plus a LESLIE AMP. The amp. PC boards are no good but the transformers seem to be okay. George modified the Devtronix diode keyer but it didn't turn out the way he wanted - so both items are available for the shipping cost. If you're interested .. contact George for details: Mr. George T. Reim 6230 Archwood Lane St. Louis, MO 63123-1728 or Ph: (314) 352-5292

FROM; ISSUE #38 (AUGUST 1996)

SCHOBER ARCHIVES

TOM THOMSON now has JIM TURNER's Schober Theatre Organ and by mutual consent, Tom has agreed to take over Jim's Schober Archive duties. SO ... IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD TO OUR ARCHIVES .. HERE'S TOM'S ADDRESS and for the HAM RADIO OPERATORS HIS CALL SIGN: MR. THOMAS A. THOMSON 315 WELHOUSE DRIVE KIMBERLY, WI 54136 HAM call sign: KB9IFT

LEE'S VOX. MOD.

LEE'S letter supplied this info on his Vox Modulator; "The price will be $300 with power supply or $225 without power supply". He also mentioned that he's offering a superior Tremolo unit ... and I don't know what else he has .. but I'm sure there must be other items ... SO ... If you're interested in more info on Lee's creations - here's his address: MR.. LEE M. SUNDSTROM PO BOX 398 CAVE JUNCTION OR 97523

GEE DAD, IT'S A WURLITZER

JIM PRUZINEC writes; "Group members in southern California may need to be reminded that every Sunday at 7 PM, organist Bob Ralston hosts a one hour program of theatre pipe organ music on KPCC, 89.3 FM.

MEND CRACKED PLASTIC

ROY FOERSTER writes that he repaired small cracks in plastic parts by; "getting some very low viscosity super glue at the hobby store and flowing some into the cracks."

AND ..

ROY reiterated something that bears repeating; "Always suspect the ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS when trying to salvage units that haven't been used in a long time."