Importance Of Pipe Organ Maintenance

By Amy Gray


Well-established churches, especially cathedral, need massive music instruments for their congregation or choir. One of those instruments is a pipe organ. It produces sound when pressurized air is driven through organ pipes via a keyboard selection. Pipe organ maintenance is a very crucial aspect that needs to be maintained regularly. Below the importance are discussed in details.

For the device to produce top quality sound, regular checkups are conducted. They should be tuned twice a year mostly at the end of cold and warm seasons. This will reduce potential damage to the organs sound quality. Since temperature change affect instrument function, the original pitch should not be tampered with while tuning.

Another way of organ maintenance is by playing every note frequently in different time intervals. With that done, the organ will be more durable. The action prevents dust and dirt from building in the parts, relying on wind conduction and pipes as well. It ensures the needed humidity degree is in place. The drill is done to instruments that are not used regularly.

Leather and wood used to make the organ wear out as time passes by. They need to be renewed once this has been noted. Proven impregnation solutions are used for the treatment of such perishable materials. Once the soundboard is dismantled, the opening of the note channels is done first. If the damage is quite bad, the parts are replaced with new parts. The pieces require being constructed exactly as the original part.

Temperature change is the leading reason that reduces the service of any musical device. If a room is heated, proper caution should be taken. Wooden parts need attention for them not to dry. The wood needs to sprayed with insecticides in case they possess insects that can destroy them. Leaving the organ alone is crucial, but one should ensure the favorable conditions are in place for the proper function of the instrument.

One of the essential ways to maintain the instrument is by choosing a trusted organist. One with the understanding and appreciation of the duty delegated to them. The capability of observing and reporting any damage after assessment should be their firm values.

Pipes of this massive instrument are made of alloys of lead and tin. It makes them very delicate to handle. Bumps or knocks can cause major dents that destroy their quality. When handling them using the hand, one needs to use the utmost care. Reduction of any possible further damage can take place if the handling is done appropriately.

Organs that have lasted longer years always have an oxide layer formed on the metal pipes surface. They become stiffer, and their color changes to a blacker tone. Nonetheless, they should not be polished at all, for they will lose their historic sound completely. They should be left undisturbed for touching directly with fingerprints can tarnish them. Rust can also be activated, so it is better if touching is avoided.




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