There is no doubt many have noticed numerous changes at OSI in the past two years.  Taking stock of the many facets and needs of the pipe organ industry as it presently exists, we have made a concerted effort to adapt and better support the evolving requirements of you, our partners and customers.  With this we concluded our name did not properly reflect our current and future position in the industry as a comprehensive resource of “all things pipe organ”.  Fact is, comments from many of you encouraged our decision to “change our identity”!

You have been speaking and we have been listening.  More than 280 of our customers and partners have been randomly surveyed via telephone regarding OSI’s performance with past and recent transactions.  These surveys will continue, aiding OSI in all areas of service and product delivery.  OSI’s leadership team takes these surveys seriously and I personally review each response and rating, taking action where appropriate.  In the end our ultimate goal to ensure OSI is assisting you in generating profitable revenues by promptly delivering exceptional products and services.

On the new product front, again as a result of you telling us of your needs, we have responded.  In October of 2006 OSI introduced the “251 Swell Shade Operator”, answering your request for a cost effective, easy to install, flexible swell engine for both new and replacement applications.  In order to maintain a competitive price, we opted to dispense with the “open on power down” function.  Many of you have been clear of your desire for this feature so we are now offering an “add-on” option beginning in July that provides this feature without external AC power.  The “SOPD”, Part No. 3450.12 is a small, external module providing intelligence and power to open the shade upon shut down of the organ power system.  Price is $107.00.

Another new product related to the 251 Swell Shade Operator is the new “UAE 128P Universal Swell and Crescendo Encoder”.  This device enables the 251 Swell Shade Operator to deliver 32 or 64 stages of expression while using virtually any potentiometer on the swell shoe.  This small (1.5” X 2”) PC board mounts in the console and connects the swell potentiometer to virtually any relay or control system via a maximum of 5 inputs and 5 outputs.  The unit comes complete with all required wiring and pre-terminated connectors.  Price is $117.50.

On the keyboard product front, a new “short” keyboard is now available.  Reducing the front to rear length from 18 3/16 inches to a compact 14 3/16 inches allows for use in “depth challenged” consoles as well as the replacement of many non-standard and center pivot sets.  All regular options and configurations are available on this product.

We continue our partnership with Peterson Electro Musical Products as a full service provider of the ICS4000 control system product line and V-Sam Tuner.  Other partnerships include stocking and distributing a full line of Zephyr and Ventus blowers.  Additional partnerships and product distribution agreements are being explored in a continuing effort to provide the widest range of proven products from specialty manufactures.

I encourage you to challenge us with any special or custom requirements you may require.  We have put staff, systems and equipment in place to ensure our ability to provide for virtually any need related to pipe organ construction and maintenance.  I also invite closer dialog with our team to assist in your planning of projects and service opportunities.  Do not hesitate to ask any question or make any suggestion as OSI is truly here to serve your requirements.

Again, our facility is “open” and ready for you to visit.  Plan to spend several hours or more to allow time to interface with the staff related to your needs.  I believe what you will find will surprise you and stimulate ideas and opportunities.

A word about OSI’s place in the pipe organ industry.  For over 84 years, OSI and our predecessor companies have strived to be a “neutral” provider, ensuring professional pipe organ builders and technicians of all sizes have equal access to the quality materials and services you need.  OSI does not sell to “your customers”, and more than ever, is striving to ensure we do not compete for your revenue, but assist you in generating profitable sales.  I truly believe that your success will be OSI’s success!

As always, all the “employee/owners” of OSI thank you for your confidence and opportunities to serve you.  I personally extend my invitation to contact me directly with any question, comment or concern you may have. 

Bob Rusczyk