This discussion of loud vs. soft 32' stops reminds me of perhaps the best 32' stop I've ever played. It is on the Aeolian Organ (rebuilt by Moller) at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. The only 32' voice on the organ, it is simply labeled "Diapason 32" and it is a large-scale, full-length open wood stop. What makes it so remarkable is its ability to hold up Full Organ (over 70 ranks) with a profound resonance all throughout the auditorium, but it can also be used very effectively under the Swell Aeolines or the Choir Dulciana/Celeste ranks. While most of the organ is enclosed in side chambers, this rank is free-standing in a recessed chamber at the rear of the stage along with the Pedal Violone and Trombone. Even with the stage curtains drawn, this 32' makes itself "felt" all the way to the front lobby! I think the trick to achieving this effect with a Rodgers organ is to install as many bass sub-woofers (speakers) as money allows. This way, the 32' Contra Bourdon doesn't have to be pushed in volume to ring the room effectively - the more speakers moving air, the less volume is needed. Tom Alderman Roswell, GA. ************* On the Frog Music Press Website - Playing MIDI Live at the Rodgers Organ & Using the PR-300, two guides to mastering MIDI. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To unsubscribe or change mail delivery (digest, vacation) go to www.frogmusic.com/rodgersmem.html