The Muller pipe organ at Solomon Lutheran Church, Woodville, Ohio, replaces an 1941 Schantz organ of 25 ranks. As was typical of the time, the tonal scheme was based heavily on 8' pitch, which provided several variations
of unison color but lacked brilliance and cohesiveness.
The congregation at Solomon Lutheran sings resolutely, and the organist was frequently unable to effectively lead hymns even with full organ and all couplers. The goal for the new 35 rank instrument was to blend old and new stops in an ensemble with a balanced spectrum of pitch levels that would enable the organist to lead congregational singing as well as perform literature from all musical eras.
The new Great Organ possesses a broad principal chorus from the 8' Principal to the four-rank Mixture. The Swell Organ now contains a chorus of its own, capped by the three-rank Cymbale. A unit 16'/8' Trompette, plus the independent 4' Clairon provide the reed chorus. An 8' Oboe provides a softer solo reed. The Choir Organ boasts a flute-based Cornet, its own pair of strings, and a separate 8' Trompette. The Pedal division was filled out by the addition of 16' reeds.
The restoration work also included a complete releathering of the windchests, rebuilding of the 3-manual walnut console with solid-state combination action, and refinishing of the facade pipes.
Solomon Lutheran Church
Woodville, Ohio
