When I came into the warehouse earlier this week I could not believe my eyes. I was greeted with the sight of a Philips Philicorda that we had been asked to scrap when we supplied a new Chorum 20.
“What do you want to do with it?” quickly came the question from colleagues, hoping no doubt that I would say “straight to the skip, please”. But I found I just could not bring myself to do this and especially as, on plugging it, in it all worked! That’s an instrument from 1970’s, so perhaps already 50 years old.
So what to do with it? If I had a sentimental streak to keep all the older used instruments we get coming through the building there would be nothing else in it – so it had to go! Surely there would be someone out there that would be pleased just to have the piece of iconic 1970’s design standing in the corner of the room? And the bonus is they could play it, too!
Of course you need to listen very hard to hear any difference between the trumpet and the clarinet. But that’s how it was in those days and its part of the fun of the evolution of the technology.
Talking of technology look at the pedal voice choice. 16 ft or 8 ft but not both and this was made after Apollo landed on the moon.
Fortunately, it emerged very quickly that Harbury Village Club in Warwickshire had a need for an instrument, and a kind contact of theirs arranged for it to be collected. We are therefore delighted that, rather than ending up in the local recycling centre, the Philicorda has found a good home where many people will be able to enjoy it!
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Viscount Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
Wish I stayed nearer. Fond memories of these instruments.
When I first played the organ at Gosbeck church, over 25 years ago, it was one of these. I think it was a GM760. Sadly, about six years ago, I lost all m,5y F#s during a service. I tried vainly to find a new tone generator board, the original having been badly serviced and some track lifted or missing. It is still ion the vestry, having been consigned there when we got a temporary Electone, still in use but being criticised as not very appropriate for visiting organists for weddings.
I found a replacement Philicorda on e-bay but it was Collect Only and I am rising 80, no longer drive and failed to find any one willing to go to Portsmouth.