The American Reed Organ and the Harmonium [Hardcover]

Robert liF. Gellerman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

Covers the history, construction, manufacturing, tuning, restoration, and music of these classic American and European parlor instruments.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 398 pages
• Publisher: Vestal Press (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 187951107X
• ISBN-13: 978-1879511071
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,700,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great buy for anyone interested in reed organs., January 25, 2002

By 

Karl Fandrich (Waterville, VT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The American Reed Organ and the Harmonium (Paperback)

This book offers an in-depth look into the history of the reed organ. This is the stregnth of the book. It discusses how the reed organ grew in popularity, why it flourished in the society of its time, and then describes its demise. The restoration information is also good. The workings of the organ are described in a fair amount of detail. The tuning section is quite good. It gives exact methods and tells how to make various tools. It includes stop faces, a stop dictionary, company logos, and other useful information. As I mentioned before, though, the real stregnth of this book is the history! A great read for anyone interested in reed organs.

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must have bible", September 12, 2011

By 

Randall R. Rice "Paschal Type Kid" (Roxbury, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The American Reed Organ and the Harmonium (Paperback)

for anyone interested in reed organs, this is a basic book, both editions. The pictures alone are worth the price. It gives a good solid history of the time frame when reed organs were sold and in common use, many of the makers, and more than enough information to have a good comprehension of these wonderful instruments.

A very easy read, if coupled with "Manufacturing the Muse" by Whiting, you will be well equipped to carry on a good conversation with anyone on the subject. The Whiting book is more extensive and complimentary, IMO, to the Gellerman, but the Gellerman is still the "Bible" ( Capital B ) for the world of Reed Organs.

5.0 out of 5 stars Harmonium Heaven, May 24, 2010

By 

Rush "Rush" (Rochester, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The American Reed Organ and the Harmonium (Hardcover)

This is a fantastic book for a reed lover. Our family collects and refurbishes reed organs -- there is no better sound from a musical instrument. This book is a "must have" for all avid collectors.