Uncle Phil Maloof
Beginning in 1979, Phil started collecting theatre organs and parts. The famous Roxy Theatre Kimball Organ console was the first organ console he acquired. The massive job to install it,(along with piecing together the many parts previously obtained), required the work of many builders. Unfortunately, upon commissioning them, he encountered several of unprincipled characters who created much difficulty and hardship. As in every story there would be no Victory without these conflicts and challenges and ultimately this did not deter him from his goal.
| Through the passage of time, theatre organs have truly become an important part of our history. They were designed in the 1920’s to be the accompaniment for silent films. They have an orchestral sound of just about every instrument and a superb fullness and quality that is unmatched by any one instrument. This was very advantageous to the silent film industry as the sound built drama and suspense to what would have been flat and lifeless. There were approximately 6,000 theatre organs built and in the 1950’s with the advent of “Talkies” (sound film), and with the introduction of television, the film industry no longer needed them. As time went by, with seldom use, these magnificent instruments fell into disrepair. |
http://www.unclephilmaloof.com/theaterorgans.html Read the whole story on Uncle Phil Maloof website! 🙂 Thanks “Uncle Phil”
We had the great fortune to have a tour of Phil Maloof’s house. I was not prepared to film this, sorry the video is not the best!
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