This Willis Pitman Action organ at All Saint's was built in 1937 and had remained virtually unchanged since that time. The console, wiring and switching system was failing and, in 2019, Henry Willis & Sons completely refurbished and upgraded the console, re-wired the instrument and provided it with a modern solid state switching system. The specification was enlarged by adding a Great 8' Flute, 16' Pedal Trombone and a Great 8' Tromba. The 16' Contra Oboe was also made available at 8 foot pitch.
The Console had become unreliable and worn
The Console switchgear & wiring
is over eighty years old
1937 Pinboards and original cotton-covered wiring
In the 1980s, the Skinner Switches were replaced
with electro-mechanical ladder switches.
The wiring from the Console to the chamber
is still original 1930s material
The Console is stripped down, the Pedals are
re-pieced and new Willis Toe Pistons are added
The Console is re-assembled with added Drawstops & Pistons
The Tablet Units are restored and re-wired to a modern solid state capture system
On test in the factory
The Actions have been re-wired ready to be returned to the organ
The new Switching System is fitted and wired in the organ chamber
Zinc is marked and cut to make the new Trombone Resonators
The Resonators are rolled using the large electric rolling machine
and are prepared for soldering
Stockings and Sockets are manufactured
Tips for the sockets are cast into moulds
The Sockets with cast tips
The Resonators for the Tromba are made of Spotted Metal
The Resonators are cut apart for knuckling and mitering
The Size is washed off
and the pipes are assembled ready for voicing
On the Voicing Machine
New Willis Membrane Pallet Action chests are manufactured
for the Tromba and Tombone
Upperboards
Membrane
punchings
Membranes
& Pallets
completed rails fitted with the internal springs
Rackboards and 'Racking In' with a conical Spoon Bit
Racked in
The pipes are installed
on the chests
Flying Rackboards are made for the taller pipes
to ensure strength and stability
The Building Frame is built up and the whole rank
is then put on test in the factory
A new Reservoir is made for the reed
Making a Roller Blind
Grid for the internal
Wind Control
The Building Frame, Reservoir, Chests,
Winding & Pipes are installed in the organ
The refurbished Console is temporarily placed
in full view of the church for the re-dedication recital