Kuhn Organ Builders Ltd, 2006
Restoration
www.orgelbau.ch/ope=801330
II/P/14
Switzerland, Schwyz
Kath. Kirche
A true rarity
Many of its kind were built, but only a few have survived to the present day. With its so-called membrane chest it is, today, a true rarity: the pneumatically controlled organ which Carl Theodor Kuhn built for the Catholic church in Reichenburg in 1897. Preserving the now little known authentic tonal characteristics, whilst rendering the instrument more easily playable - here lies the art of restoration, an art in which experience of pneumatic systems and adherence to historical guidelines are of prime importance.
What is particularly special about this instrument is that membranes control all functions of the organ, including the wind supply to the pipes. Because the membranes are made of leather, they are very sensitive to climactic influences and become worn with use. Due to this, the wind supply becomes inconsistent over time and individual notes are no longer well-balanced with one another.
Our improvements to the system were made to counteract this problem: we constructed small, purpose-built bellows for the console which regulate a steady and adequate wind flow. Through this we were able to improve the quality of action and reliability and the instrument will remain playable long-term. At the same time we were able to assure that the instrument kept its original character, as all modifications are, in keeping with the philosophy of preserving historical objects, reversible.
