Customer Reviews

The American Reed Organ and the Harmonium

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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.

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.

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.