Pumptatus : The Restoration Pt III

I've been pottering with the organ periodically, just got to the point where all the reeds are fixed, they all make noises, although there's still two which are sticking. From my rough notes, I think i've worked on about 20-25 keys which were sticking or leaking air. 

I've reassembled a few bits, which included finding an old vaseline lid (metal) in the bellows (look, i've got no idea either). And cleaned the keyboard. More pics below.

the excitement of working out how many screws I needed to replace

Reeds, and soundboard cleaning

Under the board, the longer bits are for the sub-bass couplers

Cleaning the keyboard

Pumptatus : The Restoration, Part II

 Staining of the organ is coming along well, about 75% there. The main body is finished (bar touchups) and the rest all has one coat of three or four complete. 

Few more pictures, and once the staining is finished (next week or two), it'll be cleaning and fixing the innards.

Pumptatus, the restoration Part 1

 I recently bought another pump organ. I was pining for the one I sold in the UK and restoring another one over winter was the obvious solution to all my problems. This one is bigger, more gothic, than the last one (which just looked like a mid sized standing coffin when shut). I sense candlesticks and Bach's Toccata and Fugue in Dmin in my future.

Pumptatus: well it's obvious really, Sphenodon punctatus....

Pickup involved a ute. In Hamilton. I felt very at one with my testosterone. Here's a picture of my newly acquired strops + ratchets, tarp, and rope. A recipe for BDSM success!

First job was to get it into the garage and assess it for woodworm (a little bit, nothing concerning). 

By that point I'd removed the recent-ish addition of a music stand with light. Next came testing keys/reeds, pumps, and stops. Generally good, there's about 10-12 keys or reeds which need work, there's even a spreadsheet...

At that point it's a slow process of deconstructing it, rather than go through every step, here's a few shots to show what's inside a pump organ/harmonium.

Currently state: lying on it's side, very naked. The varnish has been removed, and a medium sandpaper applied, next up is a fine sandpaper and beginning to restain it. Once that's finished, I'll spend some time fixing the reeds - as I'll have the room on my table.

Luv, your organ Pumper.