drawknobs

Drawknobs are a type of control used on pipe organ consoles to activate the instrument’s stops. Each knob corresponds to a specific rank or set of pipes; when an organist pulls a knob outward, the associated stop is engaged, adding its timbre to the sound. Pushing the knob back in disengages the stop. The result is a quick and tactile way to alter the organ’s mixture, volume, and tonal color during a performance.

Typically, drawknobs are organized in rows on the console, often grouped by division such as Great, Swell, Choir, and Pedal. The layout allows players to combine multiple stops for different registrations, sometimes in combination with coupling and crescendo devices. Drawknobs may be labeled with the name of the stop and its pitch or function, and the knobs are usually made from wood or metal, with finishes and engravings reflecting the instrument’s era and building.

Historically, drawknobs were common on European and American organs from the 17th through the early 20th century. They offered direct, hands-on control favored by many organists, especially for dynamic registration changes during performance. With the advent of electronic and hybrid consoles, some organs replaced or complemented drawknobs with alternative control schemes such as tabs, digital switches, or pistons. Nevertheless, drawknobs remain a hallmark of traditional organ design and are preserved in many historic instruments and in historically informed performances.