At times it may be desirable to add ranks of pipes to an existing pipe organ.  Of utmost importance, secondary only to proper selection of new stops, is whether or not the existing organ chamber will accommodate additional pipes without sacrificing the ability to service the instrument.  In some cases, the original builder prepared for future additions by leaving extra space on the chest for specific ranks. 

An ideal time to add new pipe work is during the process of rebuilding the pipe organ.  It is easier and more cost effective to provide switching, stop tabs and associated wiring for new pipes at a time when the whole switching system is upgraded.  Also, it is sometimes possible to offer additional, intelligent unification of existing pipe work to increase versatility and tonal variety for the Organist.

MIDI recently became a popular product offered in the organ building industry as it allows for the addition of electronically generated stops where there is absolutely no additional space for pipe work. However, additional space is necessary for speakers for the electronic stops.  The most practical application for this type of installation is the very low pitched stops of 16' or lower.  A MIDI addition also allows for record/playback capability, a great teaching tool and a method the organist may employ to step away from the console to hear their registration from another place in the sanctuary.