102-key Dutch Street Organ “De Arende” For Sale
102-key Dutch Street Organ “De Arende” For Sale
A recently built 102-key organ which came across from Holland for the 2000 Great Dorset Steam Fair and was sold to a lady near the Shropshire town of Cleobury Mortimer. The organ has since sat unplayed in her barn until a couple of years ago when I went to see it after it was advertised for sale.
Having retrieved some music books kept in a wardrobe (away from the damp!) and sorted out the electrics, the organ played very well, especially given the time it had been idle. If I remember correctly there at least 400 pipes, with some very unusual ‘exotic’ registers like the Jazz Flute on melody and counter-melody which give more of a dance organ sound. Despite an advert with FOPS generating a few phone calls, the lady had no serious enquiries or any other visitors, and telephoned me last night to ask for my assistance in finding the organ a new home where it will be played and enjoyed.
From memory, there’s probably around 50 music books (including some rare old dance organ arrangements, as these are standard 101-key Mortier scale). The condition of everything looked perfect, right down to the heavy duty twin axle road trailer that’s included in the sale. The key frame used was probably from an older organ, as I think it was a 105 key, and I seem to remember the organ was on a blower. He’s some photos I took at the time…
The owner’s asking £25,000 ono – please contact Anita on 01299 270 860 (no time wasters please!).
:org: The organ hasn’t been played since my last visit in 2006, so next time I’m passing I’ll be calling in to blast out the cobwebs again!
