Keyboard Studies

Fairchild Organ

The Brombaugh instrument in Fairchild Chapel is based on organ-building principles of the early 17th century. Although not a replica of any specific model, it was inspired by the work of German organ builders Gottfried Fritzsche and Friedrich Stellwagen.

Photo courtesy of Oberlin College Photo courtesy of Oberlin College Photo courtesy of Oberlin College Photo courtesy of Oberlin College

Praestant 8
Gedackt 8
Oak Principal 8
Octava 4
Spitzpype 4
Quinta* 3
Sesquialtera II
Octava 2
Mixtura V-VII
Trommett 8

*Drawing the stop knob halfway brings on the Sesquialtera, which speaks from middle C. When the stop is fully drawn, the Quinta speaks throughout the compass.

Regal 8
Hohlquinta (treble) 3

 

Subbass 16
Praestant (Gt) 8
Trommett (Gt) 8

 

Wind Pressure: 78mm

Pitch: 1c is tuned to 557 Hz

Case: fumed oak

Case doors and panels: Western red cedar

Key cover plates for the naturals: cow bone

Manual sharps: ebony

Other case materials: zebrawood, maple, bog oak, rosewood, sugar pine, Douglas fir