It is most instructive to consider the ORDER in which stops are added in a pyramid-type buildup. The objective: build gradually from the softest stop to the full organ (or the full single division). In this example, we will consider only the Great division as illustrated to the right.
Begin with the softest 8' stop. If there are two soft stops, choose the one with the tone quality that you want. We will choose the flute in this example. Add another 8' stop, a hybrid. Then comes the lighter 4' stop, another hybrid. Now adding the 8' principal creates a very warm combination. Next comes the 4' principal, with its “edge.” The first 2' stop follows, a flute, adding just a shimmer. The 2 2/3' stop contributes a certain gravity to the combination. More brightness comes with the 2' stop, and even more with the mixture.