Gary Klechowitz realized his dream of having a theatre pipe organ in his home after years of searching for consoles, pipes, and components. The resulting 2/11 instrument combines a historic Wurlitzer console with pipework and equipment sourced from various places.
The console originally came from a Wurlitzer Opus 1828, which was installed at the Sheboygan Theatre in 1928. Today, Gary enjoys the organ in his home, and it has also become a gathering place for DTOS members to appreciate the sounds of a theatre pipe organ.
The Story of Gary’s Wurlitzer
Gary had been interested in having a theater organ in his home for years. In 2007, an opportunity to acquire a Wurlitzer console provided the starting point for what would become a much larger project.
Finding the Console
The console Gary acquired in 2007 is a two-manual, gold-gesso Wurlitzer console. It came from Wurlitzer Opus 1828, a 1928 Style E organ originally installed at the Sheboygan Theatre, which is now the Weill Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
With the console secured, Gary started searching for the pipes and other components necessary to convert it into a functioning theatre organ.
Searching for Pipes and Parts
Gary sought various pipes and components needed to complete the instrument. Among the pieces he acquired were a Wurlitzer glockenspiel, a tibia clausa, a relatively rare Wurlitzer residence-scale clarinet, and a kinura.
A Kimball tuba horn was an important addition to the organ. Other components, including a blower, xylophone, chrysoglott, and various mechanisms, were also necessary to complete the instrument.
Bringing the Organ to Life
As with any organ project, it required the assistance of others.
Rob Riley, a member of the Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society, provided valuable expertise and assistance. Members Al Gruling, Duane Austin, and Gary Bieck from DTOS also contributed to the project.
Gary’s collection of pipes, parts, and a historic Wurlitzer console was transformed into a functioning 2/11 theatre organ through their combined efforts.
Inside the Organ
The finished instrument is a compact yet impressive 2/11 theatre organ, featuring a range of theatre-organ voices along with percussion and traps.
The chamber houses the pipework and mechanisms that create the organ’s unique sounds. Although it is relatively small, the instrument offers a wide range of tonal colors and considerable character.
Since its completion, the organ has provided a wonderful space for DTOS members to gather and enjoy the sounds of a theater pipe organ.
Specifications
16’ Bourdon – 8’ Concert Flute – 97 pipes
8’ Tibia Clausa – 85 pipes
8’ Open Diapason – 73 pipes
8’ Violin – 73 pipes
8’ Viole d’Orchestre – 73 pipes
8’ Viol Celeste – 61 pipes
8’ Tuba – 61 pipes
8’ Trumpet – 49 pipes
8’ Clarinet – 61 pipes
8’ Vox Humana – 61 pipes
8’ Kinura – 61 pipes
Chrysoglott
Xylophone
Glockenspiel
All standard traps