Fife Electronic Organ Society

Sir,

I hope you do not mind my making contact, but I was looking on the internet for information etc. that would help me, with a view to being able to sell my father-in-law's Hammond VS 350 Organ, with matching 'Leslie' and 'Music seat / stool'.

My father-in-law actually died about 30 years ago, but his wife, who had kept the instrument and matching pieces just as items of furniture that she couldn't bear to part with, has also recently died, leaving the house and contents to the family.

As there is no-one in the family who can play the organ, and they do not wish to keep it, we have decided that it should be sold so that the cash from its sale can be divided amongst the beneficiaries.

Having come across your site, I wondered if you may be in a position to assist at all with what the items may be worth and the best means of selling same, or in fact if you have any knowledge of anyone who may be interested.

As far as I am aware from having switched it on to make a test, all the keys appear to be in working order as they seem to make musical notes when pressed, though I would not be able to say if they were pitch perfect etc. as I am not knowledgeable in this area.

All I can say is that it had not been played for some time on a regular basis, from the time of my father-in-law's death, though I am aware that one or two visitors to my mother-in-law's house since then, who were able to play have been on it and played a few pieces of music, which as been over the last couple of years. Unfortunately I could not be more specific than that.

I think that I would describe the pieces as being in quite good condition for their age, with one or two marks visible, but nothing serious. (one is a mark to top of 'Leslie', where it appears there may have been something hot/warm placed on top that as left a circular mark/stain to the lacquer finish. Other than that it possibly just needs a routine service, if that's what you do with organs.

If you are able to assist or advise me, I would very much appreciate your help and if necessary, I could pass on any photographs of the items that might help.

The Organ and other items are still at my in-law's address, which is in the Wigan area of Greater Manchester / Lancashire.

Many thanks in the hope that you are able to help in some way.

Regards
John Stevenson.