The Estey Organ Co., of Brattleboro, Vt., have just issued their first official statement in respect to their new department--the manufacture of pipe-organs--which was established a few months ago under the superintendency of W.E. Haskell. The statement follows:

  "For over fifty years, the Estey Organ Co. have enjoyed the distinction of being among the leaders in whatever they have placed upon the market, and the sterling worth of their past production is the best possible guarantee for whatever they may produce in the future. For many years the Estey Organ Co. have made a somewhat careful study of the pipe-organ industry, and as a result the conviction was forced upon them that great improvements in the development of that branch of manufacturing were possible. With the large business which they were constantly carrying on in the reed-organ industry they did not think it wise to enter the ranks of pipe-organ manufacturers until such time as they should be able to secure a competent superintendent of that department, a man who was not tied down to old traditions, but was in touch with up-to-date methods of construction and with scientific progress.

  "A somewhat careful study of the various systems of pipe-organ construction has placed them in the position to avoid the mistakes of others. The have secured as the suuperintendent of this department W.E. Haskell, of Philadelphia, a man of large experience in designing and manufacturing pipe-organs. Mr. Haskell has invented and patented some very valuable improvements in the construction and voicing of pipe-organs.

  "The Estey Organ Co., having been determined to produce the best pipe-organs that can be made, they have avoided every detail of construction leading to complicate the organ or require frequent regulating, thus guaranteeing to the purchaser the minimum expense in maintenance.

  "The action is technically known as tubular pneumatic. The motive power actuating the valve which controls the admission of air to the pipe and produces the tone is compressed air admitted through a tube by a valve in direct connection with the key and carried by said tube to the motor, which opens the valve directly below the pipe. This system of action secures for the player uniform depth of touch, as the valve and key are in such close relations that it is impossible for this dip to vary. While many builders state that 'each key is provided with regulating screws for adjusting the depth of touch,' the Estey is furnished with a perfect and stable action in which no such necessity can arise.

  "The wind-chests are in conformity with the action, compressed air operating the individual motion of each valve contained therein.  By the elimination of all complicated levers and kindred services, instantaneous operation is insured as soon as the main bellows is filled.  Each pipe has its separate wind supply and the effect so commonly found in wind-chests that has earned for itself in organ noemclature the term 'robbing' or one pipe depriving another of its full quota of wind, can under no condition exist in this chest. This gives to the organ firm and decisive speech and keeps the pipes in tune with each other no matter what combination is drawn or chord is struck.

  "The bellows is ample in size so that a slow, easy stroke is sufficient even when the full organ is played, and in its construction the valves are so arranged that a perfectly uniform pressure is maintained and 'gasping' is avoided.  The best alum-tanned sheepskin is used in its construction and all portions are double-leathered, thus making the bellows air-tight and insuring durability. The panels are screwed on, thus affording easy access. All of its connections are of iron rigidly and durably constructed.

  "The stop-action is especially noteworthy.  The old system of draw-stop action is entirely discarded, and judging from the expressions of those who have had the opportunity to see the Haskell register keys, is likely to become obsolete.  It is remarkable fro simplicity and reliabilty.  An abridged keyboard is placed just above the manual keys.  Any white key when depressed brings into play the register of pipes, or couplers, indicated on the front of the keys, and the depressing of its alternative black key closes the register. Each white key thus  represents an ordinar draw-stop. This makes possible many changes in registration as a key, or group of keys, may be depressed with one stroke of the hand and as easily released.

  "The voicing of the organ is one of its strongest points and receives most careful and artistic treatment.  The diapason, which are the foundation tones of the organ, have the full resonent quality for which English organs are celebrated. The mellow quality of the flutes, tje delicacy of the soft registers, and the strikingly characteristic quality of the string and reed tones, make a combination that, however powerful, is pre-emingnently musical, and appeals to hearer and player alike. Absolute uniformity of tone in each stop  throughout its compass is secured, the value of which is inestimable.

  "Each pipe is of extra thickness and weight, thus guaranteeding that the tone shall not be absorbed by the sympathetic vibration of the pipe itself, the purit and resonance of a tone depending on the vibration of a column of air within the walls of the pipe, and on that alone.  The voicing of the pipes is very largely done by Mr. Haskell himself, and receives always his closest personal supervision.

  "As a whole, the Estey pipe-organ merits the attention of all prospective buyers, and is a notable demonstration of what exceptional care, through familiarity with a subject, the highest skill in construction and the most critical selection of material can accomplish."

The Musical Trades, July 13, 1901