Facts
Why do pipe organs take so long to build?
How do I know how much organ I need for the space I have in mind?
Why mechanical (or tracker) action instead of electric or electro-pneumatic action?
Where can I read more?
Will organ building continue in the future?
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Because they're all made by hand, using both stationary and hand-held tools. There are hundreds and hundreds of small, intricate parts that have to be made very precisely and all that adds up to a lot of time. We want to make sure that we're building the best possible quality instrument so we build them one at a time and very carefully.
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We talk about your musical needs and come up with several options. All of our organs are designed for your space.
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Mechanical action is more reliable long-term and from a musical standpoint puts the player in direct control of the valve which lets air into the pipe. That's how they can add nuance and life to the music.
Much of the early and baroque organ music we hear comes alive when played on a tracker instrument. Hearing and playing such an instrument helps you understand the music better.
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There are many good books on the history of organs, organ music and organ construction. The best overall source of information is Peter Williams' and Barbara Owens' lengthy article in the New Grove Dictionary called "The Organ." It was printed as a separate book about 30 years ago and is now out of print but is still available as a chapter in the Grove Dictionary. You can occasionally find the book at abebooks.com.
The Art of Organbuilding by George A. Audsley (in print - Dover) is also fascinating. Audsley wrote in 1904 as electricity was beginning to make its way into general organ construction. There are many beautiful drawings in this book as well as very good technical drawings and explanations of all the different types of action (known in 1904). There are chapters as well on metal and wood pipe-making. A good book.
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Organ building is a very lively art these days. Many people with whom I speak seem to think that the art has died out. On the contrary, the art is growing and there is plenty of work for those of us who are dedicated to it. People are still seeking apprenticeships as they always have. The tradition is strong and vital. Not to worry - there will always be organs and organbuilders.
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