STEAM WHISTLE CALLIOPE MADE IN THE USA Kenny g
Posted: Tue May 09, 2017 11:41 pm
Custom Calliopes built by Kenny G
http://www.customcalliope.com
article on Steamboats .org
http://www.steamboats.org/whistle-calliope/848.html
Recent article of the 38 note Steam Calliope built for a California Steam Park
March 21, 2017
LALSRM Purchases a Custom-Built 38-Note Steam Calliope
By Diana Manchester with Kenneth Griffard
Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is always interested in enriching our steam program, which includes functioning steam locomotives in six scales, and a stationary steam plant that demonstrates 19th century steam technology. We learned of “Kenny G’s Calliopes” through Discover Live Steam, and ordered a custom-built 38-note calliope from Ken in 2016.
Kenneth Griffard of Three Rivers, Michigan, is one of a handful of modern calliope manufacturers. Ken’s initial interest in calliopes was fueled by his passion for steam riverboats, which he restores and operates. He built a 10-note steam calliope for his first steamboat rescue, and later a 25-note version for his refurbished 15-passenger sternwheeler.
"I believe LALSRM’s calliope is the only 38 note calliope in operation west of the Mississippi," Ken said.
Kenny G’s Calliopes are made of bronze-casted whistles and run on 20 psi steam (or compressed air) operated by Bestek PNOMIDI remote controllers. When in operation, steam is released by electronic command and travels through the manifolds to valves individually controlling the various sized whistles. At first, the metal is cold, creating a slightly higher note. As the whistle warms up, the note drops in pitch. This is what makes the characteristic calliope sound. The whistles are tuned to notes chromatically when manufactured. Keeping the calliope in tune is an ongoing endeavor.
As with all the calliopes Ken offers, the LALSRM model was built to custom requirements. The Museum wished to keep the calliope on two 7-1/2” gauge flatbed railroad cars, which meant that, instead of the whistles and manifold connected in one long row, two shorter, separate rows were needed. The electronic configuration in the MIDI controller was redesigned to direct the music signals to this special setup.
The new calliope has been assembled and tuned by LALSRM member Thaine Morris. Thaine has restored a vintage air compression calliope as well as a several antique mechanical music boxes. He also owns and operates steam boilers that he uses in his special effects business.
Ken makes no bones about the decibel level of calliope music. “They are very loud,” he says. “I give my steamboat passengers earplugs before I play mine.” Ken recommends making the calliope performance a special event of one or two songs, scheduled for posted times of day. Then its operation is unique and anticipated. People soon learn that the nostalgic sound of a calliope will last briefly, and can relax and (hopefully) appreciate the experience of a bygone era.
http://www.customcalliope.com
article on Steamboats .org
http://www.steamboats.org/whistle-calliope/848.html
Recent article of the 38 note Steam Calliope built for a California Steam Park
March 21, 2017
LALSRM Purchases a Custom-Built 38-Note Steam Calliope
By Diana Manchester with Kenneth Griffard
Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is always interested in enriching our steam program, which includes functioning steam locomotives in six scales, and a stationary steam plant that demonstrates 19th century steam technology. We learned of “Kenny G’s Calliopes” through Discover Live Steam, and ordered a custom-built 38-note calliope from Ken in 2016.
Kenneth Griffard of Three Rivers, Michigan, is one of a handful of modern calliope manufacturers. Ken’s initial interest in calliopes was fueled by his passion for steam riverboats, which he restores and operates. He built a 10-note steam calliope for his first steamboat rescue, and later a 25-note version for his refurbished 15-passenger sternwheeler.
"I believe LALSRM’s calliope is the only 38 note calliope in operation west of the Mississippi," Ken said.
Kenny G’s Calliopes are made of bronze-casted whistles and run on 20 psi steam (or compressed air) operated by Bestek PNOMIDI remote controllers. When in operation, steam is released by electronic command and travels through the manifolds to valves individually controlling the various sized whistles. At first, the metal is cold, creating a slightly higher note. As the whistle warms up, the note drops in pitch. This is what makes the characteristic calliope sound. The whistles are tuned to notes chromatically when manufactured. Keeping the calliope in tune is an ongoing endeavor.
As with all the calliopes Ken offers, the LALSRM model was built to custom requirements. The Museum wished to keep the calliope on two 7-1/2” gauge flatbed railroad cars, which meant that, instead of the whistles and manifold connected in one long row, two shorter, separate rows were needed. The electronic configuration in the MIDI controller was redesigned to direct the music signals to this special setup.
The new calliope has been assembled and tuned by LALSRM member Thaine Morris. Thaine has restored a vintage air compression calliope as well as a several antique mechanical music boxes. He also owns and operates steam boilers that he uses in his special effects business.
Ken makes no bones about the decibel level of calliope music. “They are very loud,” he says. “I give my steamboat passengers earplugs before I play mine.” Ken recommends making the calliope performance a special event of one or two songs, scheduled for posted times of day. Then its operation is unique and anticipated. People soon learn that the nostalgic sound of a calliope will last briefly, and can relax and (hopefully) appreciate the experience of a bygone era.