The Vocalion Organ A Historical Overview. A Historical Overview. –Roots in England with James Baille Hamilton –Introduced In Worcester, MA –Hamlton Vocalion Mfg. Co –Mason & Risch New York-Worcester 1890 –Aeolian Ownership 1903 –Demise 1910

Special Features of Vocalions That Sets Them Apart From All Others Vocalions operate on pressure/positive wind Vocalions operate on pressure/positive wind Reeds are large scaled, for the most part. Reeds are large scaled, for the most part. All reeds of a particular note are winded (speak) from a common channel as in a pipe organ with slider chests All reeds of a particular note are winded (speak) from a common channel as in a pipe organ with slider chests All stops are fitted with qualifying chambers (tubes) of differing dimensions based upon a particular sound desired. All stops are fitted with qualifying chambers (tubes) of differing dimensions based upon a particular sound desired. Tone holes can be opened or closed at will Tone holes can be opened or closed at will

Attributes of Special Features Pressure generated tone projects from the organ case. Suction generated tone remains “localized”. Pressure generated tone projects from the organ case. Suction generated tone remains “localized”. Large scaled reeds in conjunction w/QTs Large scaled reeds in conjunction w/QTs Produce broad-bodied tonal effects. Produce broad-bodied tonal effects. Manipulation of tone holes makes valid “regulation” possible. Manipulation of tone holes makes valid “regulation” possible. Reeds on a common channel are speech synchronized. Reeds on a common channel are speech synchronized.

A Tracker Actioned Instrument Large scaled reeds require a chest that is wider than the keyboard. Large scaled reeds require a chest that is wider than the keyboard. Typical pump organs are of key-scale design. Valves are acted upon via pitman rods located beneath the keys. Typical pump organs are of key-scale design. Valves are acted upon via pitman rods located beneath the keys. Vocalions utilize a traditional backfall mechanism to spread the key scale to that of the chest. Connections are via trackers. Vocalions utilize a traditional backfall mechanism to spread the key scale to that of the chest. Connections are via trackers.

Musical Values The long note pallets and associated square rail produce the authentic “pluck” that is characteristic of mechanical actioned pipe organs. The long note pallets and associated square rail produce the authentic “pluck” that is characteristic of mechanical actioned pipe organs. Diverse and diffused tonal egress as well as variety of sound make for valid registrational changes. Diverse and diffused tonal egress as well as variety of sound make for valid registrational changes. Octave Coupler brightens the overall sound. Octave Coupler brightens the overall sound. Composition pedals allow crescendo/diminuendo. Composition pedals allow crescendo/diminuendo.

The Vocalion Awakening My first Vocalion Experience, age 11 at Elks Memorial Service in Troy, NY My first Vocalion Experience, age 11 at Elks Memorial Service in Troy, NY Repair of 17 rank at age 23, Stephentown, NY.1961 Repair of 17 rank at age 23, Stephentown, NY.1961 Acquisition of 9 rank Vocalion from a farmer’s porch Acquisition of 9 rank Vocalion from a farmer’s porch Stephentown Vocalion revisited and restored for new owner in 1989 Stephentown Vocalion revisited and restored for new owner in 1989

The Vocalion Group More Vocalions came to COC for restoration. Calls from out of town seeking help. More Vocalions came to COC for restoration. Calls from out of town seeking help. Rockwood Vocalion on Cape Cod and personal acquisition of my Vocalion in 2004 posed a question. How many were there and where are the extant ones? Rockwood Vocalion on Cape Cod and personal acquisition of my Vocalion in 2004 posed a question. How many were there and where are the extant ones? The Vocalion Group was formed in Nov 05. The Vocalion Group was formed in Nov 05.

Sources of Information Existing lists from COC, Keith Williams,Jim Tyler and Jim Bratton. Existing lists from COC, Keith Williams,Jim Tyler and Jim Bratton. Volunteer info from England, Holland, Germany and Australia. Volunteer info from England, Holland, Germany and Australia. Periodicals and advertisements. Periodicals and advertisements. Unsolicited s Unsolicited s

Status Quo and Where to Go? There have been 283 Vocalions identified since the founding of the Vocalion Group. There have been 283 Vocalions identified since the founding of the Vocalion Group. Lowest number is 546; highest is 7420 Lowest number is 546; highest is 7420 We will keep it alive until? We will keep it alive until? Info remains for someone else to develop as more information is uncovered in the future. Info remains for someone else to develop as more information is uncovered in the future.