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 quality sound production, there is a need for regular checkups. By tuning the primary keys, crystal clear sound can be easily achieved. The act can be done twice a year, mostly at the end of cold and warm seasons. An expert is required for the task to be performed accordingly. It also helps avoid further damage to the organ. Care should be taken to prevent tampering with the original pitch.

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.

Perishable materials such as crucial covering and leather need to be renewed. The organ treatment uses proven impregnation solutions. This includes dismantling the soundboard whereby the opening of note channels is first done. In case the damage is severe, the damaged parts will get changed for new pieces. Some elements can be reconstructed precisely like the original copies. If the instrument is a piece of furniture or a museum artifact, an electric blower must never occur.

Temperature change affects the organs sound quality. Proper care needs to be taken in rooms that are heated. The temperatures fluctuation is supposed to be maintained to prevent the wood from drying. Insecticides can be used to get rid of insects that damage the wood. Leaving alone the equipment while ensuring proper conditions are provided is the ultimate step to making the device last longer.

Choosing a trusted organist is the most important way to maintain any pipe instrument. They should have a proper understanding of the instrument and appreciate the duty laid upon them. Observation, assessment, and reporting any problem should be done thoroughly and in time to avoid more damage.

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.

Pipe organs that were built back in the 1700 century have metal pipes covered with a red oxide layer. They have a black toned change making them appear like the crab shells. They are not supposed to get polished though. Polishing them can cause the loss of their authentic sound quality. The surfaces are not supposed to get touched with fingerprints. Touching can make them tarnish that may reduce their service quality. On the other hand, rust can be activated, making this majestic instrument look ugly.




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