CLAVIERS BAROQUES -- Instruments for long and short-term rental

Estey Reed Organ (Harmonium) "Gertrude"

Estey Reed Organ (Harmonium) "Gertrude", five octaves FF to f'‘', 3@ 8" stops (split), 1@ 4" stop. Bass and treble couplers, celeste stop, vox humana effect, 2 forte controls, 2 knee levers and 1@ 16" stop (one octave). Modern pitch (A = 440). Value -- $5,000.

Gertrude is a veteran of much new music including several world and Canadian premieres. She is especially proud of her part in the CBC's "Mahler in Miniature" series in October 2000 with Mario Bernardi and Raffi Armenian. She excels as an organ substitute or to give that authentic flavour to carol and hymn sings. It is worth noting that she is a "real" pump organ, no electricity is required.

She is an Estey, "The Cadillac of Organs", dating back to 19??. She was built by the Estey Organ Company in Brattleboro Vermont as a church organ, judging by the trefoils and other ecclesiastical designs used in her case woodwork -- the organs intended for domestic use, the "parlour" organs, usually have floral designs. She saw service in Presbyterian and United churches in Western Canada including British Colombia, where she was when purchased by her present owner, New Zealand composer Amelia Nurse. Gertrude has been re-tuned from her original A = 418 to A=440 (modern pitch).

Concert rental fee $350 – includes delivery & set-up and removal after the performance. Additional moves would be charged at $100.00 each. GST and Ontario PST are extra. A bench will be supplied.

Long-term rental is $350 for the first month (includes pick and delivery charges and set-up, mileage charges may apply out of the Greater Toronto area), subsequent months are $200. GST and Ontario PST are extra.

Studio rental $10.00/hour -- practice time in our shop is available when Gertrude is not otherwise engaged. Ideal for players or singers preparing for concerts, competitions, auditions or examinations. Call ahead to book so that we can make sure she is set up and tuned and that we are not operating the table saw while you are trying to play.

Back to Claviers Baroques Home Page
Back to main Rental Page
To "Be a Harpsichord Expert"
To "What we're up to"

Gertrude on the set of CBC Television's Opening Night in October 2001. Schoenberg, this time.
Martine, turquoise blue and gold French double harpsichord

Stops and effects:

  • Bass coupler
  • Subbase 16" (CC to B, sounds one octave lower)
  • Octave 4"
  • Flute 4"
  • Diapason 8"
  • Dulciana 8"
  • Waldflote 2" (currently still at A=436)
  • Forte 1
  • Vox humana (affects both bass and treble)
  • Forte 2
  • Dulciana 8"
  • Diapason 8"
  • Vox Celeste 8"
  • Flute 4"
  • Schalmei 8"
  • Treble coupler

 

Back to Claviers Baroques Home Page

© 2004-2006 Claviers Baroques

© 2004-2006 Claviers Baroques