Sanfilippo Foundation - demonstration of the striker linkage action on our Theater Organ chimes.

In our continuing series of behind-the-scenes mechanical operations, we take a trip high up in the Wurlitzer Theater Organ percussion chamber to explore the linkage action behind this series of chimes (bells). This is a backside view of the mechanical linkage. When the organist plays a note, the individual bell is played or struck. The linkage is similar to a piano mechanism, with several pivot points, felt pads to cushion and give leeway to parts coming together, and springs allowing controlled movement over a specified range. This view was accessed from a platform high up behind the hanging chimes in the top chamber (percussion chamber). Comfortable access to the various pipes, bells, percussion, regulators, electronics, and other aspects of the organ was part of the careful planning by Jasper Sanfilippo and his team of installers back in the early 1990s when this massive project was undertaken. If you've been up to see the chambers, they still look almost brand new.