Two-Manual Organ Consoles

Manuals and Pedals

Most classical or church organs have one or more keyboards that can be played by the hands, and a keyboard that can be played by the feet. A keyboard played by the hands is called a “manual,” and a keyboard played by the feet is called “the pedals.”

It is standard for a smaller instrument to have two manuals: the Great and the Swell. The Great is the lower and the Swell is the upper manual.

One-manual organs are not uncommon, and can be found with or without pedals.

Large Organ Consoles