Dulciana Celeste Pipes Arrived!

I usually check the churchorgantrader.com website at least once or twice each week looking for odd parts that might be useful.  I knew I needed a set of Dulciana pipes to be my string celeste and was keeping an eye out.  Randy in New Jersey listed several ranks of pipes available, among them a rank of 61 Dulciana pipes from a Hook & Hastings organ.  We exchanged several emails and I decided to purchase the pipes and have them shipped to Lincoln.  He was able to pack the 49 pipes from 4'C up into two boxes and ship them via FedEx.  He didn't have a large enough or sturdy enough box for the bottom octave, but when a box shows up he will ship those too.  Some would call this a sin, but to save on shipping costs, he will neatly cut the pipes in half for shipment.  Then I (or one of the nice guys at Bedient) will have to solder them back together.  To ship them whole would cost more than the rank is worth.

When I initially bought the organ, the string was described as a Dulciana and without a windchest to listen to them I didn't know any different.  Recently, one of my organ's previous owners pointed out to me that the string that I have is actually a Salicional, but a very mild one at that.  I almost decided against the Hook & Hastings and try to find a salicional for a celeste.  But obviously I went ahead with the H&H.  I thought the Dulciana celesting against the Salicional might add some depth and breadth to the tone.  If it didn't work, I would look for a salicional and have an extra Dulciana rank lying around waiting for Opus 2...

From Hook & Hastings Celeste

When the pipes arrived I found two matching pitches and blew gently into them.  The H&H Dulciana is about 20% softer than my string and definately warmer and gentler.  I think it will create a very nice effect.  I can't wait to get both ranks on a chest and try it for real.  The Hook & Hastings is pictured on the left and my String is pictured right.