Instruments

An arsenal worthy of any musical mission.

Bandrika's unique personality is in part driven by an inimitable collection of rare musical instruments, acquired by studio owner Nathan Barr over his decades-long composing career. From an era-defining Wurlitzer pipe organ and a top-tier Steinway Model D grand piano to an extensive assortment of guitars and unique mechanical instruments, the studio's collection is ready to go when an idea sparks.

The Barr-Fox Wurlitzer

THE BARR-FOX WURLITZER

One organ. One thousand pipes. One million sounds.

The undoubted gem of Bandrika's instrument collection is the Barr-Fox Wurlitzer — a 3-manual, 19-rank Theater Organ with 1,366 pipes, an upright piano, and a host of percussion instruments, all triggered from its console. Originally commissioned by Fox Studios, the organ lived on what would become the Newman scoring stage from 1928-1997. It can be heard in dozens of scores by legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Alex North, Jerry Goldsmith, and John Williams. Bandrika's acoustic and structural design is carefully tailored to this incredible instrument.

The organ underwent a comprehensive 5-year restoration, during which time its home at Bandrika was designed and constructed using the original blueprints from the Newman scoring stage. The result is an instrument that sounds better than it ever has, in a setting perfectly suited to it.

Since its installation at Bandrika in 2018, the Barr-Fox Wurlitzer has been regularly utilized on a variety of film and television scores by top composers–and with the inclusion of an internal recording system and full MIDI integration, this instrument has already begun another decades-long legacy in Hollywood.

This magnificent organ also features a fully-integrated Wurlitzer Upright Piano .

"The robustness of the Barr-Fox Wurlitzer's sound and the way the whole room would vibrate — you could feel it in your body."

ALAN BALL

Director/Producer,
True Blood, Uncle Frank

Other Instruments

Steinway Model D Grand Piano

Built in 1974 in Steinway's New York factory, this fabulous Model D has been rebuilt from the ground-up and voiced specifically to suit Bandrika. The meticulous restoration includes upgrades to virtually every component in the instrument, ensuring longevity, reliability, and sonic consistency for years to come.

Wurltizer Upright Piano

An integrated part of the Barr-Fox Wurlitzer Theater Organ, this warm and clear-sounding upright piano is also playable on its own, providing clients the option to record it as a standalone instrument. The piano was fully restored in 2017 and features a mandolin rail, allowing one to convert the instrument's sound into that of a tack piano at the touch of a button.

Hammond B3 with Leslie 3300 Amplifier

One of our prized possessions is this 1957 B3 with a unique Bill Beer high-powered Leslie.Often imitated, never duplicated, the B3 stands ready for action.

1843 Euphonicon Upright Piano

Invented in the UK in 1841, this unusual, now extinct upright piano has three soundboards instead of one and a drop action.

"The sprawling collection of rare instruments sparks a creative and childlike wonder in me. From the first time I stepped into the studio, and every single time since then, I always leave feeling incredibly inspired."

KRIS BOWERS

Composer/Producer,
Haunted Mansion, King Richard, Bridgerton