THE POSITIVE ORGAN.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, Issue LXXII, 28 May 1917, Page 8

THE POSITIVE ORGAN.

One of the most striking inventions in the field of organ construction is the •evolution of an instrument which, while capable of being played by anyone ordinarily proficient on an American organ, gives, by cleverly designed yet simple processes, the precise effects practically of the pipe organ. This is, in brief, the idea and fundamental "of the Positive organ. Real organ pipes are used to produce the tone, which is deep, rich and clear. The precise effect of organ pedalling is obtained by a pedal doublebass stop, which plays in the 16ft. tone (an octave below pitch) the lowest note only of any chord or succession of ■chords. Similarly the effect of a solo stop in the treble is obtained by what is known as a melodic stop, whereby the air is made to stand out above the accompaniment, as though two manuals were used. Then, 31503 a quiet and effective tone can be produced similar. to a choir manual and a full and brilliant tone by using the diapason and octave. One of these effective instruments has just been erected in Messrs 15. Dixon and Co.'s music chamber by the expert from Charles Begg and Co., the Dominion agents. It has a compass of four and a half octaves and seven stops, including open daipason, stopped bass, gedecht, viol, melodic viol, double bass and octave. A tremulant is also added, by means of which very beautiful effects are in the reach of the rjlayer. An instrument of this nodel has just been installed in the Anglican Church, Otakeho, as a memorial by a leading member of the cEurch. It will shortly be dedicated and formally ooened at a recital.