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The Geyer Regal of 1591

Description >> The features of the Geyer regal >> Restoration >> Conclusions about the instrument's history

The instruments size, decorative elements and manufacture justify further research into its historical background. It was probably built for some special event or person, perhaps as a gift to a member of the royalty or for a noblemans child at Court. The name Geyer can easily be traced to German-speaking regions in or around the Alps, although this does not provide any conclusive evidence as to its origin.

Further details from the organ builders point of view

We assumed the original wind pressure to have been 50 mm. At that pressure, however, a few pipes were still a little slowly. Nevertheless, the sound is forced at a higher pressure.

A few of the tongues have finely drawn lines that suggest tuning points. This, together with the tuning position suggested by oxidation on their surfaces, indicates that the instruments pitch appears to have been a fifth higher than 440Hz. This, in itself, should not be surprising if we take into account 16th century tuning practices.

A rear view of the instrument without bellows


Between the keyboard and the bellows we see the small reed resonators

It would certainly be wonderful if the sound of this beautiful instrument increased public interest in regals, and led to a demand for new instruments of the same kind. These could then be used normally and would most certainly greatly lessen the restorers concerns.


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