Soniccouture has announced that its Estey Reed Organ sample library for Native Instruments Kontakt is free until December 31 (regular price €59).
Pedal-powered reed organs (often referred to as pump organs) were once the most popular instruments in the USA. Manufactured by the Estey Organ Company from 1860 onwards, they were often housed in ornate and elaborate pieces of furniture.
The organ we have recorded appears to be a high-top Grand Salon Organ, dating from around the turn of the 19th century. It is played, as you might expect, by pumping the two foot pedals alternately, to force air through the reed mechanism. It requires some technique, and no small amount of effort to keep a strong, even tone from the instrument.
We recorded the Estey Organ by removing the back panel, which gave a more direct sound and minimised the considerable pedal noise. We have included separate pedal noise which can be blended in (or not) for realism.
The instrument panel of Estey Reed Organ features authentic controls for each organ stop, as well as realistic touches such as adjustable foot pedal noises and clunky key presses. The sound can be further shaped with Attack/Release controls, velocity and filters. A custom convolution reverb processor completes the set.
Estey Reed Organ also works with the free version Kontakt Player by Native Instruments. This means that you do not need to own the full version of NI Kontakt to use it.
In order to get it for free, enter code ESTEYFREE at checkout.
More info & download:
Soniccouture Estey Reed Organ Kontakt library free until December 31
