James D. (Jim) Shaw  (ag226@cleveland.freenet.edu)
-------------------
 
Education:
 
Bachelor of Science. Electrical Engineering, Purdue University, 1976 (with
minor in English and psychology). Registered Professional Electrical and
Civil Engineer - Ohio and Florida.
 
Occupation:
 
Sales engineering manager for Avtron Manufacturing, Inc., a manufacturer of
test stands and automatic test systems for aircraft electrical/avionic
flight components. Customers - airlines, airframe manufacturers, and
military branches. Territory - the world (no users in Antarctica). My career
allows for nearly unlimited international travel.
 
Musical interests:
 
Mostly self taught pianist and organist (classic and popular). Life-long
interest in pipe organs, especially classic but also enjoy and respect
theater instruments. I like electronic instruments when they sound very much
like a pipe instrument; dislike them when they siphon funds which properly
belong to the construction/maintenance/restoration of pipe instruments.
 
I presently own an aged, analog, vacuum (valve) technology Allen which I
hate more every day - but it permits practice, while testing my tolerance of
tone. Also have an Ithaca Organ Company parlor reed organ (circa 1870),
which needs some work on its mechanism to be playable. Case is fully
restored solid black walnut, making it very presentable as furniture in my
library.
 
Piano is a 1929 A. B. Chase 5'7, with which I am in love.
 
In storage, awaiting an addition to the house, is a 1935 (+/-) Estey 2/15,
electropneumatic action with 16 position combination. This instrument was
purchased/removed from the Willoughby Hills (Ohio) Evangelical Friends
Church. They replaced it with a Roland D-70, and I am convinced that, should
there be a judgment day, I will be treated harshly for my complicity in
their bad taste.
 
A specification on the old Estey is available, on request.
 
Listening preferences:
 
Classical organ, symphonic, piano, choral, band, in that order. Live jazz of
quality. Theater organ, of quality. Generally record "Pipedreams" and listen
to it on my commute to work, repeating it until I have got it.