[Elecraft] OT: The 4-track mind

[G4GNX]

Actually with Theatre Pipe organs (as opposed to trackers) the key press to pipe speaking is almost instantaneous except with some bass pipes which are naturally a bit slow - it takes some time for sound to travel the length of a 16’ or (worse) 32’ pipe, or if a particular magnet is a bit reluctant to operate.

The real problem is where the pipe chambers are situated a long way from the console. The worst one I played was in the Sutton Plaza (UK) which had a delay of over 2 seconds. The only way to deal with it is to close your mind to the sound and rely on your inner clock to get your timing right when playing rhythmical pieces. A bit like listening to a QSO that’s buried in the noise. The human mind (when trained) can be quite adept at selective listening.

Many Theatre Organs also have a piano attached and that can be just as disconcerting if the piano’s a long way from the organ console.

73,
Alan - G4GNX
South Coast UK
Elecraft K4D / KPA500 / KAT500 / IC-9700




> On 14 Dec 2023, at 11:22, David Wilcox <djwilcox01 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> I think you have forgotten the fact that there is a pause between when the pipe organist presses a key and the sound actually happens.  Add that to all the things mentioned previously.  I tried it once while talking to a pipe organ student at my college… very discomfiting.  At least to a piano student. 
> 
> Dave K8WPE 
> 
> David J. Wilcox’s iPad
>