Tracker Organs – Mastering Touch & Tone! Part 1

For Sale : Wilhelm Tracker Pipe Organ (2002) 23 Ranks

“The most complex of all musical instruments, tracker pipe organs work mechanically rather than electronically. When the organist depresses keys, a complex set of wood and metal arms and levers is activated, opening valves that allow air to rush through the pipes — much like human breath makes a whistle operate — and with similar variations… Continue reading Tracker Organs – Mastering Touch & Tone! Part 1

Releathering Pipe Stoppers

Pipe organs are complex instruments and pipe organ construction takes skill and is laborious. They need regular and timely care for robust worship accompaniment. One important maintenance item is the re-leathering of stoppers, particularly of wooden pipes. Re-leathering is a process that includes the removal of worn leather from the pipe organ and replacing it… Continue reading Releathering Pipe Stoppers

Don’t Let Climate Create Calamity

Pipe organs are living, breathing instruments that naturally interact with the environment. Changes in temperature and humidity can create calamity for a pipe organ. It is important to carefully manage and encourage the stability of the organ’s environment. Doing so can improve the durability of the instrument and save money for its institution. Improper environmental… Continue reading Don’t Let Climate Create Calamity

Pipe Organ Actions

The pipe organ has numerous, sometimes thousands, of working components that produce its majestic ranges of sounds. Thus, the king of instruments. The “style of action” is (one of) the pipe organ’s essential inner workings. Action is determined by the functions carried out when a key or pedal is pressed so as to produce sound.… Continue reading Pipe Organ Actions

Computer Aided Design & Building a Swell Enclosure

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer-based software to produce designs. It is frequently used by different types of engineers and designers. The software can be utilized to develop two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional models. Just as with any element of a pipe organ, the construction of a swell box requires skill and precision. Before… Continue reading Computer Aided Design & Building a Swell Enclosure

The 3 Ps of Pipes: The Prince(ss), the Pea, the Pipe!

While the pipe organ may be the king of instruments, it takes a Prince (professional) to find the pea that may be preventing the pipe organ from playing properly. Just like in the old-time folktale, The Princess and the Pea, even the smallest amount of dirt accumulated under a pipe valve can create a frustrating… Continue reading The 3 Ps of Pipes: The Prince(ss), the Pea, the Pipe!

Building a Swell Enclosure

The name “swell” is English in origin, and refers to the practice of placing the pipes of the division in an enclosure which allows the organist to change the dynamic level by closing louvered shades which form one side of the enclosure. Read more on construction of a Swell Enclosure

Rebuilding a Historic Kilgen Organ for St. Augustine

The CCFM is a group of professionals committed to fulfilling their responsibilities relating to real estate, development, management, and sustainability to ensure efficiency  within the Catholic Church. Stay up to date on what’s happening in and around Catholic churches with the CCFM’s biannual newsletter.  As members, we are proud to have our projects shared in their… Continue reading Rebuilding a Historic Kilgen Organ for St. Augustine

Of the Disabled: Restoring a Tracker Pipe Organ for All

The CCFM is a group of professionals committed to fulfilling their responsibilities relating to real estate, development, management, and sustainability to ensure efficiency  within the Catholic Church. Stay up to date on what’s happening in and around Catholic churches with the CCFM’s biannual newsletter.  As members, we are proud to have our projects shared in their… Continue reading Of the Disabled: Restoring a Tracker Pipe Organ for All

Pipe Organ Restored from Major Fire

The CCFM is a group of professionals committed to fulfilling their responsibilities relating to real estate, development, management, and sustainability to ensure efficiency  within the Catholic Church. Stay up to date on what’s happening at Catholic churches with the CCFM’s biannual newsletter.  As members, we are proud to have our projects shared in their Fall edition.… Continue reading Pipe Organ Restored from Major Fire