The Shanklin Music Hall’s Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ consists of 34 ranks of pipes, 12 tuned percussions, and numerous traps and sound effects, all played from the 4 manual console that was originally installed in Boston’s Metropolitan Theatre in 1930. The “Met” organ was the largest Wurlitzer organ to be installed in New England. The restoration of the Music Hall Wurlitzer was done with two objectives in mind.
The first was to create a superb musical instrument.
The second was to carefully restore an irreplaceable antique.

During the summer of 1993, the Shanklins purchased the 15 rank Wurlitzer that was originally in the Palace Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. During the next 4 years they were able to acquire all the pipe work, percussions, wind chests, and numerous other components that would be required to augment it to the 26 rank specification of the original Metropolitan organ. Best of all, they were able to acquire the original console from the Boston Metropolitan Theatre!

Along the way, they also purchased eight additional ranks of pipes, which add richness to the ensemble. All pipes and percussions are Wurlitzer, except for the Trumpet-en-Chamade and a very rare 1927 Mason & Hamlin Model RBB, 7 foot Grand Piano with its original AMPICO Reproducing Player. Both pianos, and all the other instruments in the Music Hall, are played from the organ console.

Prior to installation, all components of the organ were completely rebuilt using original style materials insofar as practicable. The Metropolitan Theatre Console was rebuilt retaining the original electro-pneumatic stop action in the bolsters, and the manuals were restored using original type materials in order to preserve the original feel of the console. The console was refinished with ivory lacquer, and its decoration was meticulously gold leafed. This installation is somewhat different from the original, however, in that many of the percussion instruments are mounted on the front wall of the auditorium instead of in the chambers, so that they may be better heard and enjoyed.

All of the organ’s sounds are produced by real pipes and percussion instruments being played by the wind from a 25 HP blower. There are no electronic sounds or sound enhancements to the organ. On the other hand, the organ relay, recorder/player, and combination action are new solid-state units. They control the organ, but they do not affect its sound.

A computerized Recorder/Player has been installed on the organ, which will record the actual notes as they are played on the pipes and percussion instruments of the organ during the performance.
Later, when the recording is played back, the actual pipes and percussions of the organ will play, just as they did during the original performance.
By this means, concerts held at the Shanklin Music Hall can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

* Ranks added to the original Wurlitzer Publix 4 Specifications of the Boston Metropolitan Theatre.

* Ranks added to the original Wurlitzer Publix 4 Specifications of the Boston Metropolitan Theatre.

* Ranks added to the original Wurlitzer Publix 4 Specifications of the Boston Metropolitan Theatre.