Building a Hauptwerk Organ Step by Step, Paperback

This book guides the reader through the construction of a Hauptwerk organ similar to the one built by the author. Detailed drawings and photographs, including all critical dimensions, are provided for a traditional compact console using stops and/or Novation LaunchPads. Issues with retrofitting a used console or using a desktop approach with touchscreens are also discussed. The book provides a MIDI tutorial, with special focus on how Hauptwerk uses MIDI messages to interact with your console electronics. Issues involving proper grounding and power distribution, vital topics often neglected, receive detailed coverage. Finally, an entire chapter is devoted to important Hauptwerk topics which the author believes are not thoroughly covered in the manual. These include things like optimal rank loading, adding output channels for solo stops, adopting a surround system for stereo organs, and simulating diatonic pipe chests. Anyone building a Hauptwerk organ will find a wealth of valuable material in this book.

About the Author:

Timothy Masters is a semi-retired programmer, technical writer, and electronics hobbyist. He designed and built his first MIDI organ 30 years ago (when a MIDI encoder circuit board was several square feet in size!), and his second a decade later. Ten years ago he retrofitted a massive three-manual Rodgers console for Ahlborn digital sound. With the passage of another decade, it was time to tackle the ultimate digital organ project, a custom-designed Hauptwerk.