Not kayak related-- but very special local craftsmanship by a paddler

[Paul Sylvester]

To Hear The Music, Opus 139 is a show I caught last night on MPBS and highly recommend.

It tells the story of a talented group in Gloucester Ma that makes pipe organs for churches and other organizations.

Several years ago when I met Rob Hazard we had some things in common and whenever he related to me that he worked at a organ maker it "kind of went over my head"....and the conversation moved on. When I started watching this show I wondered if this was the same company Rob was with...How many organ builders could there be in the area??

The show tells a few different stories all centered around this amazing company that brings together a wide variety of skills to produce these masterpieces. Well worth your time to watch Rob and the rest at work.

[Pintail]

...and he is not the only kayaker among them, Paul! There are three or four who paddle.

[EEL]

Amazingly, the technique they use to create sheets of metal for the pipes is the same technique used hundreds of years ago. I had the privilege to see it done once before Rob "retired".

Ed Lawson

[Pintail]

Ed, I emphatically do not wish to appear argumentative; but it is hardly amazing -- can you think of <any> musical instrument, the manner of manufacture of which has greatly changed? Violins are made in <exactly> the same way they have been made, these past four hundred years. (Pianos -- perhaps, yes, in the case of materials used for the frames) (Oh, and some brass instruments that have gained valves)

Has Mr. Hazard <officially> retired, now?

Edited September 28, 2015 by Pintail

[rfolster]

can you think of <any> musical instrument, the manner of manufacture of which has greatly changed? Violins are made in <exactly> the same way they have been made, these past four hundred years.

Cymbals used to be hammered into shape by hand, but are now pressed and lathed into shape. Some are still hammered, but by machine, and if claimed to be "hand hammered", it is only as a sub-process to induce unique sound qualities and aesthetic appearance. Drums themselves have also seen dramatic manufacturing changes, with new veneer processes allowed by advances in glue quality and wood cutting possibilities, along with vast improvements in hardware casting.

[eneumeier]

To say nothing of our own Rick Crangle, who yesterday took BEST IN SHOW at the seARTS Wearable Arts show for his wooden dress.

the attached picture is little bitty and sideways. Maybe someone can fix it.

Liz

[Katherine]

Congratulations Rick!

[Suz]

WOW - that is an amazing dress. I can't imagine the work that went into it. Congratulations Rick!

[Paul Sylvester]

Yes, that is quite something.

[BethS]

Wonderful film about the organ making, thank you !

[mhabich]

More pictures of Rick's dress. It's on display at Cape Ann Museum through Thursday evening. Searts.org for details

[jason]

More pictures of Rick's dress. It's on display at Cape Ann Museum through Thursday evening. Searts.org for details

That's one work of art! I wouldn't want to guess as to how many hours it took to make!

[eneumeier]

from the seARTS description:

Best of Show was presented to Rick Crangle Gloucester based wood sculptor and architectural specialist, who presented a magical woodland look that reflects his inspiration from the delicate layering and movement of a raven’s feathers. The look was modeled by Allison Campbell, an Endicott student who is also an intern at the Marblehead Art Association. This garment has over 500 individually hand cut, shaped, sanded, ebonized, and oiled wood elements. The full length skirt’s cherry “feathers” are upcycled from a wood staircase in Cambridge.

I gotta get to the Cape Ann Museum to see it! Liz