Electronic musical instruments and the development of the pipeless organ

Abstract

Brief reference is first made to the history and development of musical instruments and the scales with which they are associated. The principles of the design and operation of the pipe organ are referred to in so far as they have a bearing on the problems of the electronic organ, and the possibilities of electronic methods of producing music are indicated. All forms of electronic musical instruments are referred to, and classified according to the systems employed. The main treatment of the paper concerns the design of electronic instruments which simulate the pipe organ, both in their playing technique and musical effect. The many engineering problems which arise in the construction of instruments of this type are dealt with in some detail. Finally, design and assembly details are given of a complete electronic organ, and reference is made to possible future developments.