My name is David Bruce. I am a Computer engineer by vocation and frustrated organ builder by passion. I got hooked on organ a long time ago. Maybe it is in the blood. My Great Uncle, took up organ at a late age and ended up playing for about 8 to 11 church services every Sunday. My own particular passion is theatre organ, although I enjoy all forms of organ, and believe that each organ is unique and has its own place.

I have worked on several theatre pipe organ installations over the years, and I do mean INSTALLATIONS, but have also been involved with ongoing maintenance, improvements and upgrades. The instrument I have had the most to do with is a rather unique "Christie" theatre pipe organ which is now housed in a Baptist church. It started life in the theatre as a 2/7, suffered two installations in the church before two of my friends and I became involved with it. Since then, it has been rebuilt and enlarged with some ranks which have given it a dual-purpose specification and made it much more suitable for church use. The specification was drawn up by local organist Cliff Bingham, and US organist Jonas Nordwall. Selection of the individual new ranks was fairly critical. The instrument is currently a 2/10. A 3 manual Wurlitzer console has been purchased and rebuilt and further additions are planned which will bring it to 20+ ranks.

I have been involved to lesser degrees with other installations over the years. I have designed electronic systems for use with organ control. I have also assisted with maintenance of the electrics behind the largest tracker instrument in the southern hemisphere (Sydney Opera House). I play some, mainly, as others have said here, "for my own amazement" or amusement.

My wife is learning to play and shares some of my passion, (which is very nice). We moved about 18 months ago and are currently located in Alice Springs, in Central Australia. We are currently living in rented accommodation supplied as part of my contract here, so pipes are out of the question at least for the present.

We currently are rebuilding a three manual console (theatre style). This console was modeeled on a Rodgers Olympic console, but with a double stop rail. It was controlling a 12-14 rank residence instrument prior to our acquisition of it. Initially this console will drive digital electronics of some kind, but our long term plan is to hybridise and replace electronics with pipes over a period of time. Electronics will be retained for some ranks and probably most basses. At present we are adding second touch (springs, contacts, etc.) to the lower two manuals. We want to complete the console before starting any of the electronics. We are currently evaluating several suppliers of digital electronics and are watching developments in other areas with interest.

We welcome any of you, should you be visiting the Red Centre of Australia, but advance notice would be nice.

Email David