The Ashmont Skinner is nearing completion. This project, primarily undertaken by Joe Sloane and Jonathan Ortloff, with guidance and management from Jonathan Ambrosino, began in the fall of 2013. The team expects the organ will make its first sounds in early May
The work you see in these photographs is primarily that of Joe Sloane, who has taken charge of leathering work and component restoration, and Jonathan Ortloff, who has mostly tackled the wind system and console; each man has helped the other in various tasks, and together they have re-engineered the instrument, originally in two chambers, into Ashmont's single chamber. Jonathan Ambrosino has been handling flue pipe restoration, and general project management.
Many colleagues have provided support, including:
Amory Atkins, Joshua Wood, Dean Conry (hefty helping; facade pipe restoration)
A. Thompson-Allen Co. (component restoration)
Blackstone Valley Piano (manual keyboard restoration)
Broome & Co. LLC (reed pipe restoration)
Spencer Organ Company (releathering, pipe restoration assistance)
Not only are we grateful to all who have helped us realize this project, but also we are especially appreciative of all those who have given funds to cover the project costs.
Commentary and photography: Jonathan Ambrosino
