John Kinkennon 

MIDI Encoders for the DIY'er with a vintage organ console! 

There's a new MIDI Encoder for the UBW32 on the virtual pipe organ page.
(UBW32 available from www.sparkfun.com)

We picked up a dated theater organ and have converted it to MIDI to run the Hauptwerk virtual organ software.  This Rodgers 321A "Trio" circa '75 is now playing samples from Paramount Organ Works as well as a variety of classical organ sounds.  The Rodgers Trio was a fine analog instrument for its time and we were pleased to give it a new lease on life with the Hauptwerk virtual pipe organ software.  The console is virtually empty.  The electronics were replaced by my own MIDI circuit designs, and we've added a couple of swell pedals and toe studs which wouldn't be found on a normal 321A.

        

Our latest toy is a vintage Deagan 3-octave xylophone!

Sample the organ sounds:    My Blue Heaven

 Photos here.

This whole endeavor was accomplished with a "surplus" organ console, a handful of new circuit boards, software from Hauptwerk and an existing computer and sound system.  The acoustics of a larger hall are provided by Reaper audio and the LiquidSonics convolution reverb plug-in.