The age of the Instrument will dictate the need for restoration. Remember the organ was built to last many years. A historic instrument can be refurbished and some modifications made so that it can best serve the community, church or collegiate environment. Organs in Europe have undergone series of restorations. The oldest playable organ is believed to have been built in 1435 and is located in Sion, Switzerland. Another one located in Germany was built in 1425-30.
The church establishes a committee to implement the organ restoration including a member of the church leadership team, the organist, trustees, the treasurer and other key members.
The committee contacts local qualified organ builders or the firm that built the organ and obtains inspections of the condition of the pipe organ and solicits bids for the restoration work recommended by the builder.
The committee interviews and selects an organ builder preferably a local one to perform the restoration and works with their chosen local builder to establish a plan of action.
Church members should take the time to become involved and educated about all aspects of the process by touring the organ builder's workshop and checking their references.
Fund raising and organ awareness seminars are conducted by committee members in collaboration with the selected local organ builder.
Once funding is obtained, a contract is signed and the restoration begins with dismantling the instrument and its numerous components in need of restoration. The pipes are carefully removed, labeled and packed along with other components for transportation to well equipped organ builders workshop.
At the workshop each component is completely restored. Pipes are thoroughly inspected, cleaned and repaired.
Bellows are restored. All the old leather is removed and new leather applied.
Wind chest components are refurbished or rebuilt as necessary, such as leather pouches, valves and pneumatics.
Electrical components such as electromagnets, switches are replaced.
The console is upgraded with state of the art upgrades using solid state technology. New draw knobs or stop keys are installed. A comprehensive rewiring with new cable is also done.
While this work is being completed at the workshop - it is advisable to look into any additional repairs that may be necessary to the walls or roof area of the organ chambers. The church may hire other interior repair contractors to perform such repair at this time.
All restored components are returned to the church after the detailed work has been done at the shop.
The restored components are then reinstalled and the wind is turned on. The valves and components are regulated and tested.
All the pipes are placed back into the organ and given a complete tuning and temperament regulation. The instrument will be re-assembled; regulation of keyboards and action will take place.
The church usually performs some type of rededication service/concert for the entire congregation to participate in.
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