Portativ Continuo Organ Rental

Portativ Continuo Organ Rental San Francisco

This portativ continuo organ was built by Robert Byrd of Salem, MA in the 1990s.

Spedifics:

• one-manual
• three-rank
• mechanical key
• stop-action organ
• Compass of 54 notes (C - f3). Can transpose from A=415 HZ to A=440 Hz
• Manual natural keys are of bone, with ebony sharps.
• Case is carved panels of oak.

I have installed high quality wheels on it so that it moves easily. The motor is basically silent and, unlike all other continuo instruments I've used, does not change the pitch of the instrument when in use for long periods of time. Most importantly, it blends beautifully with choir and orchestra - not the hooty sound of many instruments that are sold cheaply. 

The instrument was the regular organ for the Boston Handel & Haydn society and is heard on many of their recordings. Gustav Leonhardt once said that it was the best continuo organ in America. Daniel Pinkham has composed music specifically for that instrument.