Aeolian Organ Stop Names
Aeolian realized it was selling organs to patrons who were not accustomed
to normal pipe organ stop names. Since the early player pipe organs
required the user to set the stops as the roll played, a scheme of simplified
nomenclature was adopted. The stop names were derived from the strength
of the tone generated as well as the general classification of the
pipe. Those classifications were flutes, strings, diapason, and specific
reeds such as oboe, trumpet, bassoon, and vox humana. So
if all strings on the great were to be drawn, the specific stop
names would be String pp, String P, and String F.
The stop names indicated pitch if it was different from 8 foot.
Thus “high flute” indicated a flute at 4 foot pitch.
Of course Aeolian would put any name on the stop tablets that a customer
wanted. Examples of German, Italian, and English are found. The
majority, including Opus 1280, did use the simplified scheme.
Stops tablets associated with the Great manual, display lettering in Red.
Stop tablets for the swell manual, display lettering in Green. The
pedal stops are black These colors are used on the roll instructions
to help locate the stop tablets.
To see the stop names used on Opus 1280, click here.
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