I started with piano lessons at the age of eight but these ended at around age 12 and I only got up to Grade 2 as it was then.
In my late teens the home piano was sold and that put an end to my playing. Then, having been married in the meantime, in the early seventies I visited the Ideal Home Exhibition with my wife and there was a guy demonstrating the Philicordia.
I was fascinated and bought one.
I soon realised that it was quite different from a piano to play, so I took lessons in organ playing – a different technique as we all appreciate.
Over the years, I changed organ models fairly frequently, always wanting something more versatile. Living in Hastings at that time, I joined the local Organ Society and enjoyed concerts given by visiting organists such as: Brian Sharp, Bill Skidmore, George Blackmore, Tony Pegler and Howard Beaumont.
Through my teacher, I tried my hand at playing in pubs but found it difficult as I don’t play by ear and I now know that this is essential in that kind of environment.
I also played a Gulbransen Theatrum in a friend’s restaurant on Saturday
evenings which was more enjoyable.
Nowadays I do not play regularly but over the years I have owned a variety of organ models including an early Lowrey Holiday.
Before the advent of digital organs, my favourites were probably the Thomas Coronado
and Gulbransen Palace.
Digital organs have included Yamaha HX5,
Technics, Hammond
Wersi and Bohm models, which brings me up to date with the Lowrey Stardust and this has really rekindled my interest to the point where I try to spend some time with it every day.
Thank you, Lowrey!
