Immense organ set to thunder back

It's described as the largest musical instrument in the world, yet an audience can barely see it.

The historic organ at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City boasts more than 33,000 pipes, all concealed behind the walls of the cavernous auditorium best known for hosting the Miss America pageant. But the sound is robust - even while operating at only 25 percent of its capacity.

"I tell people it's sort of like a race car running on two cylinders right now," said staff organist Steven Ball. "It's also terrifying how powerful it is - even just a quarter of it. So I can't imagine what half of it is going to do."

He hopes to find out soon. The nonprofit Historic Organ Restoration Committee, which has been refurbishing the hidden gem, plans to have it working at 50 percent by summer, when hundreds of organ aficionados are expected.

The 150-metric-ton instrument, built by the Midmer-Losh Co, hasn't been fully operational since 1944, when the Great Atlantic Hurricane swept through the seaside resort, causing flooding that ruined mechanical equipment.

But for 12 years before the storm, the organ's unequaled power and tonal range represented the pinnacle of the art form, Ball said. Unfortunately, no recordings exist from that time - only written accounts that he said describe "the most impressive sound on Earth."

The organ was never completely repaired, according to Ball. It was played sporadically until the 1970s, when, he said, it largely fell silent because of electrical problems. Deterioration ensued due to neglect, disuse and accidental pipe damage caused by contractors working in the hall.