> From: Daniel G Hall <[log in to unmask]>
>
> What is the deal with Bedient and the ads for their model X organs.
Does
> this firm cut out so many of certain models and hope to sell them?
Sort
> of like a spec house or something?  If this is what that firm is
doing,
> how are they doing it, and  why are others not doing it?
 
This is an excellent way for an organ builder to do business,
especially for small instruments that are intended for smallish rooms.
By having a stock model, a lot of money and time is saved on design,
and on building (a Mass. builder once told me that as much as 30% to
50% of the cost of a new instrument is for the mechanical design and
drawing, plus the extra time needed to follow the one-time
construction process). Plus, once you have the mechanics of the
instrument done, even sticking to the same pipework, customizing comes
in the voicing.
 
Sure, it's always best to try for a customized instrument, but if you
don't have that much money and still want a pipe organ (which in a
small room is ALWAYS going to work better than a big electronic),
going to a builder who does quality work even on stock models is going
to give you the most for your money.
 
I'm surprised more builders don't advertise stock models. The only
other current one I know of who is advertising is Walker of England,
and yet I know that other excellent builders have re-used designs time
and again.