Restoration work continues on the Regent Theatre Wurlitzer, with several important projects progressing behind the scenes.

Attention has turned to the Regent Foundation harp, which has been gradually rebuilt over the past year alongside the Capitol Wurlitzer restoration. The harp is now almost completely reassembled following extensive work, including new valves, primary motors, magnet gaskets and armatures, as well as complete regasketing.

The stainless-steel/nylon pushrods in the secondary motors, which were installed in the 1990s, were found to be binding on the original felt bushes. These bushes needed to be drilled out to allow the pushrods to operate freely.

As the harp cannot be removed from the chamber, all of this work has had to be carried out in situ. The completed work should help ensure that this important part of the organ continues sounding for many decades to come.

Also completed are five new French Trumpet pipes, built by Tim Gilley to replace ‘ring-in’ pipes that have been in the organ since its time in Portland, Oregon. Once tuned and regulated, the new pipes proved remarkably difficult to distinguish from the original Gottfried pipes.

Meanwhile, the Regent console has received a lighting upgrade, with new LED strips replacing the ageing 30-year-old lighting. The new system is integrated with the theatre’s digital lighting system, while also offering local control via a bypass switch.

Further updates will be shared through the Melbourne Theatre Organ website and social media channels.