VCU w/CAT Module

Here is "Kitty" our VCU system w/CAT module. For those that don't know, here are the definitions:

VCU "Vermin Control Unit"
CAT "Capture All Trespassers"
Kitty "Kill It! Terrible Terrible Yucky"

(Yes, it has been a VERY long winter!)

We Are Still Here!

I know, it has been over two months since I posted......I have been busy. We have several contracts out for approval. Next week, we are heading up to Valley City, ND to install a new console control system at St. Catherines Church. The parts have come in and they are looking sharp. Of course there will be pictures.

In the mean time, I want to thank the people of St. Matthew the Martyr Church, Sioux Falls. They came out for a work day to raise funds for a church project. 9 people actually showed up and put in four hours of work helping me clean and straighten the shop (read: move heavy stuff). They have already agreed to return this spring or early summer to help again.....

For those that remember the VCU w/Cat module, I have enclosed a picture. The cat module has been winterized and is always on the watch. Intruders, watch out, this thing will love you to death!

Chiming In.....

Hi all,

I am happy to announce that we will be restoring the electronic chime action at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City, ND. The work will include removing the small additional keyboard that was orginally installed and inserting a new set of contacts under the appropriate keys of the lower manual. We will then rewire the contacts to the Generator Unit and also provide an on/off/volume switch on the nameboard of the instrument.

This is just one of the many types of upgrades that we can provide to our customers. Pictures of the process with be forthcoming once the work is complete. Completion is scheduled for the end of January 2006.

Merry Christmas

Hello to all!

Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

It has been quite the year here at Ulm Orgelwerke and I have this distinct sense that the upcoming will be just as interesting. Only time will tell.

As the new owner, I will be changing many things. However, the things that have made this company a success will not change: the drive for quality, ethical business practices, and an openness to change will all still be a part of UO under the second generation of ownership.

New procedures, new attitudes, new avenues to explore-all of these will make UO the "builder of choice" now and into the future.

Thank you to all of our customers and suppliers. Best wishes for a prosperous new year.

Drew E. Meyer

Major Changes!

Hello to all!

Ulm Orgelwerke is proud to announce new ownership! Mr. Drew E. Meyer has purchased the organization from founder Howard Nolte. There will be many new things happening in the next few months. Please stay tuned for all of the latest news!

Humor on the Job......

You have to admit that there is humor in church. After all, God made you. This sign was found in the balcony of one of our "out west" customers. Sorry about the quality, my litle digital camera has been dropped, kicked, and generally mishandled; and it shows. For those that can't read it, the sign says: "Home of the OK Chorale"

We're Back.......

HI all,

Well, we have survived our trip to the wild west and frozen north. (Montana and North Dakota, respectively) However, the wild west was anything but wild and the frozen north was warm enough to be in shirtsleeves almost every day.

We had the opportunity to work on a fine instrument in Montana. The 18 rank Estey (tubular, no less!) was in great shape and the sound was wonderfull. I could have played for hours. Then again, I say that about a majority of our instruments.....at any rate, it was fun to work on.

We also had the opportunity to work on a one manual Vogelpohl that dates to 1917. It is in a church that is not heated in the winter, so the instrument is in nearly new condition-even the leather is still original. The sound on that thing is wonderful, it could easily lead singing in a building five times the size on the one that it is in.

Now I am back in Lennox for a week of paperwork before we continue the tuning tours.

Definition:

Manual: In organ terminology, a keyboard. "It is a two manual and pedal instrument."

From the North Country.....

Hello, we have just finished our annual "get your feet wet" tuning tour to the Arrowhead region of Minnesota. The leave were just prior to peak and a joy to look at. Lake Superior always fascinates me.

Now, off to North Dakota for a couple of weeks.....

WOW! & Congratulations!

We at Ulm Orgelwerke want to congratulate our next door neighbor, Pat Fossum. For those that don't already know, Pat matched all five white balls in the October 12, 2005 Powerball Lotto drawing. She also had the Powerplay option, so she is South Dakota's newest millionaire!

She is also very camera shy, so I don't have a picture for you.

Congratulations Pat! Now about that $650,000 left over after taxes.......

Also, we will be away in the wilds of North Dakota for the rest of October, so postings may be a little sparse between now and then. If you are one of our regular customers, expect us on your church doorstep sometime between now and December 15th!