1871 Estey foot pump Cottage organ demo by Artis Wodehouse

Artis Wodehouse demonstrates her newly-acquired 1871 foot-pump Cottage organ by Estey. She highlights its compact design, while stressing the surprising number and functions of its various stops and how the instrument can be played expressively.
Nearly forgotten today, the foot pump organ achieved greater distribution in USA homes during the 19th C. than the piano. Wodehouse's 1871 foot-pump cottage organ was considered the flagship model of the Estey company due to its compact design and performance versatility.
When Wodehouse acquired the instrument, it was in need of a full restoration. She turned to the experienced USA restorer, Casey Pratt, who replaced the bellows, tuned the instrument and attended to various mechanical elements to insure that it worked properly. He has, himself done an overview of the instrument, which can be found at:
• Casey Pratt 1871 foot ...

[@johannessilver8653]

Nice instrument and plenty of variety too specially cause relatively compact unit.

[@ArtisWodehouse]

Yes, you are right

[@Knappa22]

Estey really put all the essentials into a great little portable organ here. Foundation Melodias ✅ 4’ for brightness ✅ Celeste for resonance ✅ Subbass for depth and grrr ✅ All in all that’s all you need for a distinctive and substantial reed organ sound.

[@ArtisWodehouse]

Right you are, but don't forget the tremolo and octave coupler!

[@totalrod2]

That is a perfect sized organ. Very nice

[@alancordwell9759]

What an impressive range of voices and features in a relatively compact instrument, you must be thrilled to bits with it. I'm looking forward to hearing more!

[@paulmills1238]

Thank you Ardis for a fabulous explanation/demonstration, it packs a huge punch for a small package.The tonal qualities are so distinctive a the box humans is simply lovely! The stop combinations have a lot of variety I can see why U fell in love with,and acquired this organ.Kudos to U for getting it restored and sharing it with those of us who favor the Reed organ.Your efforts in bringing reed organs and their music to the public are valued and appreciated. Thank you!!!!! Sincerely, Paul Mills

[@ArtisWodehouse]

Thanks very much, Paul. This one was such a lucky find.

[@ab4805]

I have restored a few of those instruments and your demo of this is very accurate and well explained. Nuance in the volume is what you can express by the pedalling, faster or slower. In Europe the reed works on high pressure of air, the american harmonium work on suction or bass pressure. I guess it explains the difference in response as it may sound a bit harsh. Thank you for your work and illustration of the instrument. It is well worth to be demonstrated and appreciated.

[@ArtisWodehouse]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@stevetornallyay473]

Hi I just found ine of these organs on the streets of Berkeley California. It needs restoration. Any suggestions will be helpful.

[@RichardHandal301]

Blew my mind.

[@paulmills1238]

I am apologizing apparently I couldnt even spell VOX HUMANA! I will try to do better in subsequent communications.Carry on Ardis, U do a beautiful job. My current residence is in South west Minnesota and am searching for a one manual chapel style with a sub bass any recommendations? and Always dreamed of owning an Estey but very open to other american organs.I am a disabled organist on a fixed income,but would love to have a reed organ in my apartment for a practice instrument as I still perform frequently and am a total Reed organ fan and have always LOVED the sound. Thanks,Paul Mills

[@ArtisWodehouse]

If you are not on Facebook, there are groups there that specialize in exchanging information about reed organs and harmoniums, including sales of these instruments.