Harmoniums and American reed organs were produced in vast quantities a
century ago. Those left in restorable condition are now becoming collectors items. Examples in
excellent working order are increasingly rare. Not only are they antique items of furniture, but
are musical instruments with a real "live" sound.
The traditional English harmonium is pressure operated, with a horizontally mounted reservoir and feeders. Conversely, the more common American reed organ has a vertically mounted suction reservoir. These are invariably covered with rubber-cloth, which perishes with age. Re-covering of these reservoirs is a highly skilled task, and should only be attempted by an experienced technician, using the correct materials.
The mechanism behind the stop knobs may
seem rather heath-robinson, but it needs to be carefully overhauled to carry
out its task without undue effort on the part of the player. Beneath the keyboard
is an intricate array of rods and wires, fitted with felt bushings. These all
need to be meticulously cleaned, re-bushed and adjusted to provide the player
with the required response to his/her touch. Octave couplers in particular warrant
much attention to detail.
The organ's innards can be removed to the workshop for restoration without its case, which can remain in its home surroundings. This will prevent it becoming damaged in transit, and when closed will continue to serve its purpose as an elegant piece of furniture during the restoration period.
An instrument treated in this way should last a further 50 years at least.