What is an organ stop?

An organ has many pipes, and each pipe makes a specific sound. When an organist presses a key, air goes into the pipes, and the pipes make a sound. However, not all the pipes make sound at once. The organist controls which pipes play by using the stops. Each stop is connected to a set of pipes. When the organist pulls or presses a stop, it opens that set of pipes, letting air in and making them play. When the stop is off, those pipes stay silent.

Types of organ stops

There are several types of organ stops, each with a unique sound. Principal stops are the main stops that give the organ its characteristic sound. They are loud and clear. Flute stops make a softer, airy sound similar to a flute. Reed stops using vibrating pieces of metal to create a sound that can be harsh or buzzing, much like a trumpet or oboe. String stops produce a gentle and sweet sound, similar to string instruments.