Not Just Another Wurlitzer

Ron Wehmeierin Solo Chamber. Note 16' Wood Oiaphonein back.

Like many buffs, Ron and reinstalled it in the same basement Wehmeier of , Ohio, was first room and eventually expanded it to introduced to the sounds of theatre pipes twenty-two ranks (See January 1979 by the many recordings of the legendary THEATRE ORGAN). This venture took a . Unlike most of us though, few years to accomplish since Ron was Ron decided he wanted a theatre pipe also working full-time as the area sales organ in his home, and he acquired a and service representative for the M.P. 2/5 Wurlitzer from radio station WLW, Moller Company. Along the the last of three Wurlitzers owned by way, Ron made the acquaintance of Crosley Broadcasting. Ron brought the George Wright who was most helpful with organ to his parents' lovely turn-of-the­ suggestions for the organ. As those who century home on a hill in Cincinnati, re­ have played the organ would attest, this built it carefully, and installed the pipe­ was a very fine-sounding Wurlitzer. Ron work in a basement room with the con­ says, '' I thought at the time this would sole on the first floor. Although this turned be the organ for the rest of my life." out to be a very nice-sounding installation, One day, however, he received a it was not quite as "mighty" as Ron phone call from Dr. Larry Kass of Cleve­ desired. Wehmeier Wurlitzer console land, Ohio, who expressed interest in p!atform contains bronze from acquiring a fine Wurlitzer for his home. After some searching, Ron bought the a bank in Cincinnati. Eventually a deal was worked out three-manual Wurlitzer from the Plaza whereby Larry and Sara Kass acquired Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, rebuilt Jack Doll Photos the Plaza Wurlitzer , and Ron helped de-

THEATREORGAN MAY/JUNE 1990 • 15 sign its new home and supervised its In total, the organ would be a 4/33, so installation (See Jan/Feb 1990 THEATRE the original basement pipe chamber was ORGAN). far too small. Ron decided to expand the Main Chamber Once again, the search was on for an house with the addition of a 35'x70' room (from swell shades back) even mightier Wurlitzer! Ron finally found with a cathedral ceiling 18' in height at Vax Humana Wurlitzer it in California. And what a mighty one it the peak. ''The contractor thought I was Oboe Horn Wurlitzer was. Well-known organ collector Russ nuts," Ron says, "when 12" poured Tibia Wurlitzer Nelson had installed a 4/22 in his home concrete wall, double I-beams, 12" joists, Tuba Horn Wurlitzer and then sold it for a pizza parlor install­ and ¾ '' plywood sheathing were speci­ Quintadena Wurlitzer ation. After being rebuilt by Ken Chrome fied." In the basement of the addition , Concert Flute Wurlitzer plans were changed and the parlor never built into a hill, are the garage, a large V D O Wurlitzer built. The organ was stored for ten years shop used in Ron's work for Moller, and Viol Celeste Wurlitzer before being acquired by Ron who says, his office . Flute Celeste Wurlitzer "The pipework Russ had collected was The chambers are on the far end of Clarine Wurlitzer all hand-picked by him over the years the room in a space 16' in depth and 35' Horn Diapason Kimball and is exceptional. I am privileged to in width, divided into two equal chambers. Horn Celeste Kimball have it." Ron added some hard-to-find The blower room is located beneath the Lieblich Flute Moller sets of pipes he'd collected over the chambers with two 7½ horsepower French Trumpet Gottfried years and several new ranks made by Spencer blowers and thirteen tremulants. Marimba Trivo. In addition, the organ has two With the regulators sub-floored, the in­ Chrysoglott : a 1928 Duo-Art 6'2" Steinway stallation is very quiet and was well worth Toy Counters grand expressively playable from the the extra effort. The acoustical proper­ Mandolin console, and the original Wurlitzer upright ties of the room are excellent. The ¾" which is used for mandolin effects . oak floor and the cedar ceiling give the

16 • MAY/JUNE 1990 THEATREORGAN sound a warm texture , and the natural a Devtronix relay system. Ron also gives reverberation helps the entire organ special thanks to Dave Hazelton, his Solo Chamber blend together . long-time associate , for invaluable sup­ (from swell shades back) Although the console had been finished port throughout the entire project. Echo Vox Humana Wurlitzer in black lacquer for the intended pizza Now that the organ is installed and Brass Trumpet Wurlitzer parlor installation, Ron followed the sug­ playing, it really comes alive with the ar­ 15" Tibia Wurlitzer gestion of his friend, Sara Kass, and tistry of first-class young Barry Tuba Mirabilis Trivo redid the console in mahogany veneer Baker, who lives only ten minutes away Post Horn Wurlitzer with tasteful ornamentation in gold leaf. in Ft. Thomas , Kentucky. Barry is a fre­ Kinura Gottfried Two inlaid Wurlitzer nameplates com­ quent visitor, and Ron feels lucky to have Musette Trivo pleted the console appearance . New him nearby. " His use of all the tonal Orchestral Oboe Wurlitzer Hesco stop tabs were engraved and 48- colors and effects , along with flawless Brass Saxophone Wurlitzer volt Syndine stop action magnets were technique , really shows off the Wurlit­ Open Diapason Wurlitzer used. Above the console is a spectacular zer,'' Ron says. Salicional Wurlitzer crystal chandelier from a now-demolished All who have heard this unique and Voix Celeste Wurlitzer downtown Cincinnati hotel ballroom . beautiful installation readily attest that Glockenspiel Ron is most grateful for the help he this is "not just another Wurlitzer " but Xylophone has received from his parents in this one of the truly fine home installations in Tuned Sleighbells three-year project. They have spent many the country . Visitors to the 1990 ATOS Chimes, hours in any capacity needed. George National Convention in Indianapolis will Toy Counters Wright, in numerous phone conversations, have the opportunity to attend the After­ has been a great help with his support glow in Cincinnati where this organ will and suggestions. Lyn Larsen drew up the be publicly played for the first time ever. specifications and suggested installing It will be an event to remember!

THEATREO RGAN MAY/JUNE 1990 • 17