No musician will argue the importance of the console in the total scope of the musical instrument. The console is the tool by which the musician is able the utilize the various resources contained in any given pipe organ. With this basic concept in mind, the decision was made to build a new console for the Organ Stop Wurlitzer, capable of handling the instrument's extensive resources. It was decided to make the console an exact copy of the Wurlitzer design known as the "Fox Special", the largest console ever built by the company. In 1997, the Crome Organ Company of Reno, Nevada, was contracted to do the woodworking for this project. The complex ornamentation, patterned after the Brooklyn Paramount Wurlitzer, was masterfully applied by Carlton Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana. The intricate, extensive gold leaf application was the artistry of Organ Stop employee, Karin Copeland. The overall effect is stunningly elegant under the spotlights which make the gold leaf decorations sparkle as the console rotates on its lift platform.

The stop specification and electronic circuitry design was a two year process, and involved many people. Specifications were primarily designed by Clark Wilson and Mike Everitt, with input from Charlie Balogh, Lew Williams and Simon Gledhill. The complex wiring charts and special circuitry needs were the genius of Al Young. The resulting finished product is considered to be by far the most advanced and complete theater organ console ever built. The actual specifications are extensive to say the least. Here are the numbers:

• 4 manuals - 61 keys each
• pedalboard - 32 keys
• 422 stopkeys (red denote reeds, amber for strings, ivory for flues)
• 113 combination action pistons and toe studs
• 5 expression pedals: Foundation, Main, Solo, General, and Crescendo
• 5 toe levers controlling traps and reversible stops
• 2 drawers housing 327 switches controlling various selective stops, sound effects, theatrical lighting and effects, and other console functions

The combination action has 99 independent memories for all 113 pistons. In addition, the stop rail division markers can act as pistons if desired, increasing the number of available pistons to 125. There is complete MIDI implementation across all divisions elevating the Wurlitzer into modern day musical instrument technology.

Another unique aspect is the incorporation of a digital rhythm unit which can be programmed to play many of the organ's traps and percussion instruments in complex musical arrangements. The result is performance of rhythm tunes which are much more authentic and exciting then could otherwise be achieved.

There is also a complete record and playback system with extensive editing features which is utilized for all of Organ Stop's award winning recordings.

A very important and exciting aspect of this console is that by virtue of its design, it adapts effortlessly to the performance style of almost any organist who sits at its keyboards becoming, in effect, a musical chameleon. This is an extremely rare quality possessed by very few instruments.

• The Console
• Pipework Analysis
• Wind System