Pipe Organ Rebuilding

A pipe organ can last many lifetimes.  One only has to look to Europe to see fine instruments dating back to the 16th century that play as beautifully today as they did hundreds of years ago. The wise church will choose to properly maintain their current instrument, making it possible for rebuilding to take place.

Most often, pipe organ rebuilding is necessary as perishables deteriorate over a time period of approximately forty to fifty years.  Leather becomes porous, felt becomes worn and relay systems show evidence of wear as contacts fatigue or break off.  It is through the maintenance and repair of these items that a pipe organ's service life can be virtually extended indefinitely.

Organists are usually the first to realize that an organ is beginning to deteriorate.  Sluggish action overall sometimes points to leather porosity.  Frequent non-sounding notes or notes that do not stop playing (ciphers) also evidence the need to plan for a pipe organ rebuild.

As the church forms a committee to oversee the process of organ rebuilding it is important that committee members have some knowledge of the pipe organ in their church.  A successful rebuild starts with a competent committee to sort through proposals, check references and finally choose a reputable firm for rebuilding the pipe organ.

Copyright © 2007 R.M. Ballantyne Pipe Organs All rights reserved.
Revised: January 04, 2011.