Pipe Organ Restoration
Restoration Services
Overview
As a firm dedicated to restoration and pipe organ preservation, our team subscribes to the objectives and standards of the American Institute of Organ Builders and the Organ Historical Society. This means that your church instrument will always retain the character and ingenuity of its original builder without sacrificing the reliability required for extensive use.The timeline and cost of restoration work depend on the size of the instrument, condition of the existing components, and the amount of restoration required. Following inspection, we provide recommendations and a detailed estimate tailored to each organ. To learn how our restoration services have helped other churches and organizations preserve their instruments, Click here to read our Google Reviews. You can also explore our restoration process by watching our YouTube channel videos and before-and-after restoration videos where we showcase the craftsmanship and care that go into every restoration.
Re-Leathering
Extend the life of your organ by decades with re-leathering using time tested and proven techniques
Re-leathering is a key component of pipe organ restoration. Bellows, which are found in pipe organs of every type, require re-leathering in order to provide a stable supply of wind from the blower motor to wind chests and other components. As leather ages it becomes brittle, causing bellows to leak and eventually blow-out.
- The Leek Pipe Organ Company uses a process of bellows re-leathering that has been passed down through the generations and proven the test of time. Using the highest quality canvas and tanned leathers, new belts and corner pieces are applied with hot glue. After completion of the re-leathering process, the bellows are set aside to dry and harden, prepared for a new lifetime of service.
- Wooden pipe stoppers also require re-leathering to ensure tuning stability. Loose stoppers, caused by worn leather, allow pipes to easily slip out of pitch. In addition to bellows and pipes, the wind chests of electro-pneumatic instruments have leather pouches & pneumatics that also require re-leathering. Pouches usually sit underneath each pipe,pneumatic components are inside wind both components control air flow.
Learn more about pipe stopper re-leathering by reading our in-depth blog. Explore how replacing worn leather on wooden pipe stoppers improves tuning stability, extends the life of your pipe organ, and supports reliable long-term performance. Click here to read more on our blog.
Electro-Mechanical Upgrades
Increase reliability of your pipe organ’s electro-mechanical components
Other restoration projects involve the control systems such as switches, magnets and actions that operate the pouches described above. These control systems have their own specific maintenance concerns.
- Magnets get corroded, the coils may burn out and cease to function, the armature valves or small round disks that allow air in or out of a pouch may not seal properly causing dead notes or ciphering notes. Our restoration includes replacing all these components with new ones.
- Wind Chests may malfunction due to damage or poor original design issues. Restored wind chests correct these design issues and ensure optimal functionality. We use high-quality components from trusted suppliers such as Peterson Electro-Musical Products to ensure dependable performance, reliability, and long-term serviceability.
Our process begins with a detailed inspection of the organ’s mechanical and electrical systems, followed by a restoration plan focused on improving reliability while preserving the instrument’s original character
Tonal Additions
Add to the grandeur of your instrument with Tonal Additions
Space permitting restorations can also include adding preferred pipe ranks to the organ or other bells and whistles to support modern liturgical practices.
Tonal additions are customized based on the organ’s existing design, available space, musical goals, and the needs of the musicians who use the instrument.
Click here to read our blog on how Church Acoustics play a key role in Tonal Quality
Solid State Upgrades
Upgrading your pipe organ with State of the Art Solid State technology.
For the past decade we have successfully melded old world craftsmanship with technological upgrades to pipe organs.
As an authorized installer and experienced integrator, Leek Pipe Organ Company works with industry-leading Solid State Organ Systems technology to provide reliable control systems and modern functionality while preserving the character of each instrument.
- Projects range from replacement of power supplies to construction and installation of draw jambs, name boards, and toe piston housings. Key and Pedal contacts use fine silver and all components are handled with great care.
- Often in older organs the switching system components get corroded, are cumbersome to repair and electrically outdated. These can be replaced with more reliable solid state multi-systems, which are compact, and have updated electrical wiring for safety and reliability.
- Installation is done on-site, eliminating the need to remove the organ console and other visible components.
- Standard Manufacturer and builder warranties are available on all solid state upgrades.
Want to learn more about modern pipe organ control systems? Read our blog, by clicking on Pipe Organ Control Systems That You Can Count On.
Historic Restorations
Preserve local/church history while being green
By choosing to restore your existing pipe organ, you have an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact in your community and church. Depending on the size of the organ, new builds require extensive use of wood and other materials that put a further drain on an already stretched ecosystem.
- Newer organs also have higher acidic fumes coming out of the oak used to build the organ. Studies have shown that this high acidity could cause corrosion in pipes sooner. However older organs don’t have this problem since the wood has had years of aging.
Many historic pipe organs are documented in the Organ Historical Society’s National Pipe Organ Database. Click here to see if your instrument is listed and learn more about its history.
Console
Keyboards, Pedals, and Components
Pedal & Keyboards
Pedal board and keyboards are indispensable components of your instrument and are exposed to the most wear and tear due to constant use. The first noticeable signs of wear are when the pedal boards may become noisy and the keys on the keyboard seem uneven.
- Restoring these manuals involves re-felting, adding new silver to key contact plates, adjusting spring tensions, polishing or replacing worn wooden parts etc.
Replacing components
Outdated console technology is often the cause of dead notes, coupler failure, and general unreliability. Just as national electrical code and computer technology constantly evolve, standards in the pipe organ industry have changed profoundly over the past 100 years.
- In the context of restoration, Solid State Organ Systems can be utilized to bring older pipe organs into conformity with industry current standards. The Leek Pipe Organ Company deals exclusively with Solid State Organ Systems of Alexandria, Virginia.
- In addition to reliable playing action, Solid State systems provide a myriad of optional luxuries to the modern organist, including transposition and MIDI recording and playback.
To learn more about our restoration process and see the craftsmanship involved, explore our before and after restoration videos by clicking here.