Wow! That's tome undertaking, and very impressively executed. An expert is someone who makes a difficult task look easy - and you do just that. Sorry that the creaky stool distracts me a bit.
Thanks man! Check out my "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden, and "Roundabout" by Yes. You'll like those, too. Got your other message about requests. I'll check the tunes out.
The instrument was built up from Used Korg 01 series synthesizers, an Akai sampler, some MIDI routing hardware, a home brew console-to-MIDI interface and an Electrovoice PA system. The console is a used theater pipe organ console that needed a LOT of reestoration and rework. There is probably less than $20,000 in the entire instrument, although you would approach $100k in an Allen that did all the same things.
The thoughts of a clinically depressed person in Music. It holds its shape as an entertainment. Very complex as only a truly depressed person will understand
Very nice rendition of my favourite piece from my favourite group. (even considering the not-that-great- audio quality of youtube.) Good job, steamrocks!!!
UNBELIEVABLE! Just not the kind of song you'd expect from a theatre organ. You were fantastic. If I hadn't heard it myself I probably wouldn't have believed it.
Not a Conn, but an early Virtual Theater Organ usinf Korg 01's and an Akai S2000 sampler as sound engines. I programmed the sounds myself, and sampled some of them over to the Akai. The organ now is a full blown virtual using jOrgan and soundfonts. I own Hauptwerk, but do not use it because I do not like the samples as much as the ones I have collected and use with soundfonts.
@TerraBlaze5562 The felts on the Accompaniment manual used to be very deep and the manual was quieter. I discovered that I could reduce the felt depth and make a couple of other adjustments so that I could install second touch. I know of two local organ builders that have supplies of manual felts so I could see if there is something to quite this, but I prefer a key clack to not having second touch.
@eoghanhennessy15 These are samples of windblown pipes whose tremulant, modulation, or whatever term you choose is caused by regular interruptions in the wind supply. Whatever rate the modulation was set for at time of sampling is what you get. Some theater organ sets of pipes, like the Tibia Clausa, have a deep tremulant, and some are faster than others. Typical rates are 6-7 cycles/sec. A Leslie speaker creates the tremulant with rotating speakers and the doppler effect. Range is also 6-7
@wictor777 Almost every widely watched music video has likes and dislikes. I don't feel bad about it. If dislikes concern the sound of the organ, this was an early VirTual setup done with synthesizers before sampled VirTuals became widespread. It even predates MidiTzer! The instrument has since been totally rebuilt with 26 sampled ranks. If it concerns the playing, yes, I would like to hear their Video (and audio) response. Maybe I'll learn something! Look at all the POSITIVE responses.
@TriRoProd Yes I did, and I REBUILT it after recording Bohemian Rhapsody. At the time of recording, the organ was powered by 3 Korg synths and a sampler, all programmed by me to simulate a theater pipe organ. It is now a computer driven 'virtual' organ with an intel i7 based computer and over 1/2 gig of theater pipe organ samples. The console was rebuilt with state-of-the-art MIDI interfaces. If you want to know more, write me at steamrocks@yahoo.com
@koasterkav I built this organ myself. The version you see in 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is a restored Theater Pipe Organ console, completely refitted with MIDI converters made by stripping out Casio keyboard motherboards, six in all, plus a small Radio Shack keyboard equipped with MIDI. The sound you hear is produced by three Korg 01 digital synths programmed by me to emulate Theater Organ ranks, and an Akai S2000 sampler which takes many of its samples from the synthesized ranks, plus other sounds.
@ZEEMADMAN Sorry I didn't get back sooner. The row of colored levers are called stops. They control the individual voices that are played from each keyboard and the pedals, effectively changing the sound coming from manuals and pedals one voice at a time. The lighted buttons are called combination pistons (cuz they look like a piston) and they control combinations or groups of the stops so that the whole sound coming from a keyboard or the pedals can be changed at once. I change sounds often.
@madamebovary03 Hal Leonaard Corporationpublished an 11 page transcription of Bo-Rap' a few few years ago, and I used this as my starting point. I got the missing pieces the same way the rock bands do, just listened to the recording and picked it out by ear. The same thing goes for my transcription of Yes' Roundabout. There is a lengthly transcription, but it's not all there either. You need a fairly good ear to get all the bits and pieces.
The maker is me. It is made of three Korg 01 synths programmed to emulate a theater pipe organ, and an Akai S2000 sampler loaded with organ samples. The console is a theater pipe organ console converted to MIDI. Since these recordings were made, the instrument has been changed over to all software synths playing samples of WurliTzer pipe organs. The organ core is now a single computer
She's just gone through a COMPLETE rebuild, all PC computer powered (1.7g single, 2g RAM 20g HD-used on XP) IF you got lucky and found a fairly inexpensive 3 man console and used a decent 2 channel PA system which you CAN get away with on a theater style organ) You could build it for under $15,000. It has been VERY favorably compared to Allens costing 10x as much. Before the rebuild, it was powered by 3 Korg 01 synths and an AKAI S2000 sampler, a MUCH more costly way to build it!
Ya it is a little quick, but there is a much faster version done I guess by Weird Al Yankovic. I first noticed the tempo differences when I comparded the video takes' run time with the original song. The tempo increase evolved because instrumentally it is not as interesting to just hear the organ notes play as it is to hear Freddy Mercury sing the lyrics. Also: In the fast rock parts towards the end, the original tempo sounds a a bit like a merry-go-round when done on the organ.
Killer idea for a 'Rock' theater organ arrangement! Another one I kicked around somethat and actually did in the theater I play at was 'Hall of the Mountain King'. Like 'Valkyres', it's a classical piece, but metalheads love it. Another neglected group of tunes that might work well is Franz Lizst's 'Les Preludes'. They were best known from the old Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon serials (like 1940's, not the newer ones)
It's not a miditzer, but rather 3 Korg 01W synths and an Akai S2000 sampler programmed to sythesize theater pipe organ ranks. There are no actual pipe organ samples heard here. The instrument has just completed a rebuild using jOrgan, SFZ soft synths and soundfonts. Most of the 'new' ranks are now sampled WurliTzer, but where I was not happy with the sampled ranks (i.e. Strings and color reeds), I have inserted samples of the Korg generated ranks, so part of the old instrument lives on.
you should try metallica's "the call of the Ktulu"! It's an instrumental song, and would sound just great on such an organ. Great work by the way, I read you made it yourself. Although it isn't anywhere near the sound I like to listen to, I can't deny that you deserve an applause for all the time and effort! Geat job :-)
@MartinRaetzJr If the Berlin organ is the one I think it is, it was originally built in the 1920's by WurliTzer for a German industrialist to be installed in his home! 4 manuals (keyboards) 15 ranks (sets) of pipes, and a rare set of tuned kettle drums, one of only 6 sets that WurliTzer made.
I designed and built it piece by piece. Originally the sound producing portions were three Korg 01 series synthesizers and an Akai S2000 sampler. Now it is all computer driven with samples from actual WurliTzer theater pipe organs and some of my own samples derived from the original Korg voices.
The whole arrangement was meant to be more like the original Queen than anything else, so the tempo is closer to the Queen recording than any others. I may have rushed it a bit. Kinda like 'I get nervous when I record, so let's hurry up and get it over with" haaha
The name 'Virtual Theater Organ' should have tipped you off to the fact that it is not a windblown instrument. Unlike sampled instruments, it is powered almost entirely by Korg 01 synths, and as such is creating its own sound in real time, no counterfeit here.
The components were acquired over a good number of years, I can't just pay out $20K. Much of the MIDI interface was home-designed and built. I did all the synth programming based on 10+ years of research. Necessity (and poverty) is the mother of invention.
Well played there, and is that a CONN Organ that your playing? I only ask cause i have a CONN 645 Model and yours has the same warm soothing analog sound as mine has, and aside from the third Manual it looks a lot the same.
THe sound engines are three Korg 01 synthesizers and an Akai S2000 sampler There has been a recent complete digital rebuild with jOrgan, Soundfonts and SFZ snths (7 months), so you may find the new sound more to your liking.
@markthewhalekiller : I built it myself starting with an old 3 manual theater pipe organ console, adding components and upgrading as I went along. It has been totally rebuilt twice.
The version you are watching here was completed in 2006. Rebuilt to a totally digitally sampled instrument in 2008. Improvements are ongoing. An upcoming video will show the 2008 rebuild.
@Myrtone Go look at my video of "Smoke on the Water" done on the 4/42 Moller theater pipe organ in the Atlanta Fox Theater. Doesn't get any more real than that.
Cant say Im sure but most organs arnt sold in stores, considering this is a theatre organ it probally is sold in a store. But if youre really interested in investing in an organ their are many companies in the world that are completely devoted to caring for, designing and building organs and building organs in the likeness of other organs.
Only thing I would suggest is to vary your tempo occasionally. It's not the kind of song that really lends itself to the straightforward march you have it at. Other than that, this is pretty incredible, especially the operatic breakdown part
I actually figured out the entire piece my junior year of HS, except I used a church organ. What's hilarious is that I used it for a prelude once and nobody but one of the ushers and a handful of people figured it out and loved it.
I dunno, to be honest I have never played one of those but I have played piano long enough to know that tempo matters ALOT.. Maybe you can add notes to the song to make it sound better on this instrument if thats what you mean?
I have seen and heard several organists play this, all differ in some ways, and only one or two that are like the original. However, congratulations on this achievement, without music.
It's great, a little faster but you did a great job, play the organ making so many voices must be very dificult so congratulations! See you Carlos from Argentina
After our short Walmart visit what a pleasure to watch/hear your great talent on that wonderful instrument! Saved as a favorite on my computer to listen to more, thanks!
Wow! That's tome undertaking, and very impressively executed. An expert is someone who makes a difficult task look easy - and you do just that. Sorry that the creaky stool distracts me a bit.
A really great play! I'm impressed with your work! I'm glad you told me about this!
Thanks man! Check out my "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden, and "Roundabout" by Yes. You'll like those, too. Got your other message about requests. I'll check the tunes out.
The instrument was built up from Used Korg 01 series synthesizers, an Akai sampler, some MIDI routing hardware, a home brew console-to-MIDI interface and an Electrovoice PA system. The console is a used theater pipe organ console that needed a LOT of reestoration and rework. There is probably less than $20,000 in the entire instrument, although you would approach $100k in an Allen that did all the same things.
The thoughts of a clinically depressed person in Music. It holds its shape as an
entertainment. Very complex as only a truly depressed person will understand
right on the mark --- Bil
ps: Love the cat pic
That performance truly deserves a standing ovation! Bravo!
Very nice rendition of my favourite piece from my favourite group. (even considering the not-that-great- audio quality of youtube.) Good job, steamrocks!!!
Wow absolutely fantastic just amazing and to hear it on an organ
UNBELIEVABLE! Just not the kind of song you'd expect from a theatre organ. You were fantastic. If I hadn't heard it myself I probably wouldn't have believed it.
OMG the theater organ is the coolest instrument ever!
Do Dream Theater - the Dark Eternal Night
Or Darude - Sandstorm
I like the arrangement. Nice playing.
Amazing...
Cool version of this song. Played on a theatre organ...... Extraordinary!
Thanks for sharing.
A difficult song exectuted well on a magnificent instrument. Your so lucky to have such a lovely toy at home! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Hello namesake,
fantastic version of this great Queen classic. Why don't you make new videos?
Best regards from Germany
Wolfgang (Knoll)
You can really make that organ sing! Well done!
See?!?!?! Pretty music is still being composed in modern times!! Thanks for this great rendition!
Not a Conn, but an early Virtual Theater Organ usinf Korg 01's and an Akai S2000 sampler as sound engines. I programmed the sounds myself, and sampled some of them over to the Akai.
The organ now is a full blown virtual using jOrgan and soundfonts. I own Hauptwerk, but do not use it because I do not like the samples as much as the ones I have collected and use with soundfonts.
@TerraBlaze5562 The felts on the Accompaniment manual used to be very deep and the manual was quieter. I discovered that I could reduce the felt depth and make a couple of other adjustments so that I could install second touch. I know of two local organ builders that have supplies of manual felts so I could see if there is something to quite this, but I prefer a key clack to not having second touch.
@eoghanhennessy15 These are samples of windblown pipes whose tremulant, modulation, or whatever term you choose is caused by regular interruptions in the wind supply. Whatever rate the modulation was set for at time of sampling is what you get. Some theater organ sets of pipes, like the Tibia Clausa, have a deep tremulant, and some are faster than others. Typical rates are 6-7 cycles/sec. A Leslie speaker creates the tremulant with rotating speakers and the doppler effect. Range is also 6-7
@wictor777 Almost every widely watched music video has likes and dislikes. I don't feel bad about it. If dislikes concern the sound of the organ, this was an early VirTual setup done with synthesizers before sampled VirTuals became widespread. It even predates MidiTzer! The instrument has since been totally rebuilt with 26 sampled ranks. If it concerns the playing, yes, I would like to hear their Video (and audio) response. Maybe I'll learn something! Look at all the POSITIVE responses.
@TriRoProd Yes I did, and I REBUILT it after recording Bohemian Rhapsody. At the time of recording, the organ was powered by 3 Korg synths and a sampler, all programmed by me to simulate a theater pipe organ. It is now a computer driven 'virtual' organ with an intel i7 based computer and over 1/2 gig of theater pipe organ samples. The console was rebuilt with state-of-the-art MIDI interfaces. If you want to know more, write me at steamrocks@yahoo.com
@koasterkav I built this organ myself. The version you see in 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is a restored Theater Pipe Organ console, completely refitted with MIDI converters made by stripping out Casio keyboard motherboards, six in all, plus a small Radio Shack keyboard equipped with MIDI. The sound you hear is produced by three Korg 01 digital synths programmed by me to emulate Theater Organ ranks, and an Akai S2000 sampler which takes many of its samples from the synthesized ranks, plus other sounds.
@ZEEMADMAN Sorry I didn't get back sooner. The row of colored levers are called stops. They control the individual voices that are played from each keyboard and the pedals, effectively changing the sound coming from manuals and pedals one voice at a time.
The lighted buttons are called combination pistons (cuz they look like a piston) and they control combinations or groups of the stops so that the whole sound coming from a keyboard or the pedals can be changed at once. I change sounds often.
@madamebovary03 Hal Leonaard Corporationpublished an 11 page transcription of Bo-Rap' a few few years ago, and I used this as my starting point. I got the missing pieces the same way the rock bands do, just listened to the recording and picked it out by ear. The same thing goes for my transcription of Yes' Roundabout. There is a lengthly transcription, but it's not all there either. You need a fairly good ear to get all the bits and pieces.
The maker is me. It is made of three Korg 01 synths programmed to emulate a theater pipe organ, and an Akai S2000 sampler loaded with organ samples. The console is a theater pipe organ console converted to MIDI.
Since these recordings were made, the instrument has been changed over to all software synths playing samples of WurliTzer pipe organs. The organ core is now a single computer
She's just gone through a COMPLETE rebuild, all PC computer powered (1.7g single, 2g RAM 20g HD-used on XP) IF you got lucky and found a fairly inexpensive 3 man console and used a decent 2 channel PA system which you CAN get away with on a theater style organ) You could build it for under $15,000. It has been VERY favorably compared to Allens costing 10x as much.
Before the rebuild, it was powered by 3 Korg 01 synths and an AKAI S2000 sampler, a MUCH more costly way to build it!
Ya it is a little quick, but there is a much faster version done I guess by Weird Al Yankovic. I first noticed the tempo differences when I comparded the video takes' run time with the original song. The tempo increase evolved because instrumentally it is not as interesting to just hear the organ notes play as it is to hear Freddy Mercury sing the lyrics. Also: In the fast rock parts towards the end, the original tempo sounds a a bit like a merry-go-round when done on the organ.
Killer idea for a 'Rock' theater organ arrangement! Another one I kicked around somethat and actually did in the theater I play at was 'Hall of the Mountain King'. Like 'Valkyres', it's a classical piece, but metalheads love it. Another neglected group of tunes that might work well is Franz Lizst's 'Les Preludes'. They were best known from the old Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon serials (like 1940's, not the newer ones)
It's not a miditzer, but rather 3 Korg 01W synths and an Akai S2000 sampler programmed to sythesize theater pipe organ ranks. There are no actual pipe organ samples heard here.
The instrument has just completed a rebuild using jOrgan, SFZ soft synths and soundfonts. Most of the 'new' ranks are now sampled WurliTzer, but where I was not happy with the sampled ranks (i.e. Strings and color reeds), I have inserted samples of the Korg generated ranks, so part of the old instrument lives on.
you should try metallica's "the call of the Ktulu"! It's an instrumental song, and would sound just great on such an organ. Great work by the way, I read you made it yourself. Although it isn't anywhere near the sound I like to listen to, I can't deny that you deserve an applause for all the time and effort! Geat job :-)
@MartinRaetzJr If the Berlin organ is the one I think it is, it was originally built in the 1920's by WurliTzer for a German industrialist to be installed in his home! 4 manuals (keyboards) 15 ranks (sets) of pipes, and a rare set of tuned kettle drums, one of only 6 sets that WurliTzer made.
I designed and built it piece by piece. Originally the sound producing portions were three Korg 01 series synthesizers and an Akai S2000 sampler. Now it is all computer driven with samples from actual WurliTzer theater pipe organs and some of my own samples derived from the original Korg voices.
The whole arrangement was meant to be more like the original Queen than anything else, so the tempo is closer to the Queen recording than any others. I may have rushed it a bit. Kinda like 'I get nervous when I record, so let's hurry up and get it over with" haaha
The name 'Virtual Theater Organ' should have tipped you off to the fact that it is not a windblown instrument. Unlike sampled instruments, it is powered almost entirely by Korg 01 synths, and as such is creating its own sound in real time, no counterfeit here.
The components were acquired over a good number of years, I can't just pay out $20K. Much of the MIDI interface was home-designed and built. I did all the synth programming based on 10+ years of research. Necessity (and poverty) is the mother of invention.
Well played there, and is that a CONN Organ that your playing? I only ask cause i have a CONN 645 Model and yours has the same warm soothing analog sound as mine has, and aside from the third Manual it looks a lot the same.
THe sound engines are three Korg 01 synthesizers and an Akai S2000 sampler There has been a recent complete digital rebuild with jOrgan, Soundfonts and SFZ snths (7 months), so you may find the new sound more to your liking.
Excellent work, Laddie. Well done!
The Bone Doctor
Walnut Hill Productions
Ridgecrest, California
@markthewhalekiller : I built it myself starting with an old 3 manual theater pipe organ console, adding components and upgrading as I went along. It has been totally rebuilt twice.
The version you are watching here was completed in 2006. Rebuilt to a totally digitally sampled instrument in 2008. Improvements are ongoing. An upcoming video will show the 2008 rebuild.
@Myrtone Go look at my video of "Smoke on the Water" done on the 4/42 Moller theater pipe organ in the Atlanta Fox Theater. Doesn't get any more real than that.
awesome!! good job, I've never heard anything like it! :)
Very good played. I know this organ from the musical instruments museum in Berlin. It's very interesting to hear end see how it is played live!
@joshd1234567891 They are real electronics. It is a Virtual Theater Organ, sound generated from samples of actual WurliTzer and other pipework.
sorry bad typing/editing: I was saying: I am 100% sure you know where you still want to improve (even though all's fine as is). Thanks again.
@Themullacster Please tell me what you mean by a 'clash' and I'll see what I can do. Maybe point one or more out by the timeline??
@719Angela719 :
If you like that, check out the other classic rock organ tunes I've done. There's nore where that came from.
@barneyboscoe: Practice, practice, practice! I also sing it to myself as I play it. Be VERY glad I don't sing it out loud!
The opinion of EVERYONE that my music brings pleasure to counts. And those who DON'T like it, too, cuz I want to know why.
Thanks. man. If you liked this one, look at some of my other ones, especially "Roundabout' and 'Smoke on the Water'
Where can I get the sheet-music? I want to play it on my own Wurtzlitzer 2/10 theater organ.
beauty
@eoghanhennessy15 What "rotation"? There are no Leslie speakers here, only sampled Tibia Clausas.
@reygood1 Why Thanx. While you're at it, take a listen to my other classic rock recordings.
@Diapasonic On a theater organ? Never. Besides it would sound to liturgical, I have tried it.
Many thanks for the comment dude. Now go look at my 'Smoke on the Water' and 'Roundabout'.
Cant say Im sure but most organs arnt sold in stores, considering this is a theatre organ it probally is sold in a store. But if youre really interested in investing in an organ their are many companies in the world that are completely devoted to caring for, designing and building organs and building organs in the likeness of other organs.
You mentioned songs by Yes. Have you checked out my transcrpition og 'Roundabout' yet?
@victorwinbillion You think you're so smart? You play it then and post it on RUclips.
Only thing I would suggest is to vary your tempo occasionally. It's not the kind of song that really lends itself to the straightforward march you have it at. Other than that, this is pretty incredible, especially the operatic breakdown part
I actually figured out the entire piece my junior year of HS, except I used a church organ. What's hilarious is that I used it for a prelude once and nobody but one of the ushers and a handful of people figured it out and loved it.
I dunno, to be honest I have never played one of those but I have played piano long enough to know that tempo matters ALOT.. Maybe you can add notes to the song to make it sound better on this instrument if thats what you mean?
"Sends Shivers Down My Spine"!
Beautifully done!
I have seen and heard several organists play this, all differ in some ways, and only one or two that are like the original. However, congratulations on this achievement, without music.
It's great, a little faster but you did a great job, play the organ making so many voices must be very dificult so congratulations!
See you
Carlos from Argentina
Better than nothing, sure, but I still think it sounds a little funny. I'd love to hear you play this on a actual theater pipe organ and compare.
@sizzlin321 Hey take it easy. He asked for comment and i gave my comment. Unless you are the player here please stop yelling.
one of the hardest tunes to play of organ well done how you remembered it is beyond me!! see my version I need music!
I have to say, after the initial," beezlebub" part, it kinda sounded like it would have been in the star wars cantina!
After our short Walmart visit what a pleasure to watch/hear your great talent on that wonderful instrument! Saved as a favorite on my computer to listen to more, thanks!
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO I literately clapped after hearing this it sounds just like the song I love from Queen. :) yw
I like the sound of this instrument. For being a pipeless organ, I'd say it's fairly close to the real thing.
I would recommend that you have the accompaniment manual re-felted to remove the "clack"...otherwise nice.
This sounds better and clearer, on a modern electronic organ, cinema organs were not made for something this complicated?????
awsome playing and keys!! can u play any metallica?
@steamrocks The register lever looking like yours.
amazing and I would never be able to do it, but my only advice would be to try and avoid clashes :)
thats amazing you built it yourself and your amazing at playing I HOPE TO BE LIKE YOU SOMEDAY lol
I'd rather run backwards in a freeway than to even attempt this awesomeness display of talent.
IMPRESSIVE!!! VERY TALENTED!!!
doet me denken aan de lama's:
MAMAAAA, mijn beltegoed is alweer op!
I wish I could play like that! So jealous! But great piece of music whatever tis played on
@victorwinbillion Well this is free speech...
love it! 5 ***** from me!
alain
belgium
Very entertaining!!! And Bartlett Rocks!!
i wonder how much dollar are one of those
I love this redision
Coolness! You are coolness! Coolness!
Any advice for putting together a digital virtual organ at an affordable price?
5/5 Freddie Mercury and Queen would be pleased! I am sure of it. ^^ Well done.
Everything but the tempo was great. A bit slower would have replicated the song
115 Queen haters.
@xXxPaviaxXx Really glad you like it.
Superb! Inspired playing & great choice of registrations. Thanks for sharing.
holy crap, flying an airplane is less complicated then this, awsome, thank you
Queen's Freddie Mercury may be smiling right now. Excellent job my friend. ^^
Fabulous,but how on earth can you remember every note without music,thanks
It happens not often you find a good organ player on you tube. you are one.
@TriRoProd
So what's a 'Rhapsopy'?