Blog Archives - Leek Pipe Organs

On TV – Giving voice back to a Fire Damaged Pipe Organ

Featured on National Television – America By Design: Restoring St. Patrick Church (Hubbard, OH) Fire Damaged Pipe Organ “Temper us in fire, and we grow stronger.” — Cassandre Clare Leek Pipe Organ Company is honored to have its restoration work featured on the nationally televised series America ByDesign™ as part of the restoration story of… Continue reading On TV – Giving voice back to a Fire Damaged Pipe Organ

Tracker Organs – Mastering Touch & Tone! Part 2

This article is a continuation of Part 1.
It contrasts the unique acoustic quality of a Tracker Pipe Organ and describes the technology and design that allows a Tracker instrument and its players to create a custom organic acoustic experience unlike sounds generated by electrified or electronic organs.

Pipe Organ Control Systems That You Can Count On

Pipe organs are classical and traditional instruments that have survived through the ages due to the diligence and passion of the people who play, build, and maintain them. However, even if their size and rarity may fool you into thinking that these instruments exist today completely apart from technological advancement, that could not be further… Continue reading Pipe Organ Control Systems That You Can Count On

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

Spirit and tenacity help retain 1922 Skinner Pipe Organ Legacy

Today, when many lack the fortitude and commitment to sustain major restorations of any kind let alone of musical assets like the pipe organ, one community’s patience and dedication brought a phased restoration of a historic Pipe Organ built by esteemed American organ builder, Ernest M. Skinner in 1922 to its completion in 2024. … Continue reading Spirit and tenacity help retain 1922 Skinner Pipe Organ Legacy

Getting the Gift (Part II)

Example of a Donor Acknowledgement Wall Welcome Back! For a quick review of the first five of the ten fundraising tips – Click below. Getting the Gift Part 1. 6. Be Creative with the “How” (to Get Gifts). Gifts of cash are top dollar; usually in a lump sum or paid over time. Some… Continue reading Getting the Gift (Part II)

Adverse Climate Impacts

Macro and micro climates…. Macro Climates typically refer to external – adverse weather events like floods, lightning, wind, rain, snow storms, fire – while these are continuing to be unpredictable and more frequent, with any physical asset like the pipe organ, the longevity of the asset is also impacted by microclimates. Have you ever been… Continue reading Adverse Climate Impacts

From Scratch to Symphony! Birth of a Tracker Pipe Organ……

Book a Consult for a Custom Tracker Organ Today James Leek is among a few handful of remaining professionally active, tracker action experts nationwide. With more than 3 generations of experience, the Leek Team is well-equipped to guide you through the steps to successfully make your dream of a custom built tracker pipe organ dream a… Continue reading From Scratch to Symphony! Birth of a Tracker Pipe Organ……

Right Place. Right Tone.

What’s that sound? Optimal organ acoustic effect! Churches, auditoriums and theaters, concert halls, you name it, all have various dimensions of shapes, sounds; and other architectural elements that can improve or injure the sound of any pipe organ. When building an organ, its placement should be precisely determined. A poorly placed pipe organ can impact… Continue reading Right Place. Right Tone.

Getting the Gift! (Part I)

With all of the spiritual gifts that the church has to offer, sometimes the church has to be the one to receive! The financial dynamics of religious institutions can be complex but longtime leaders and members understand the need to make ends meet. The pipe organ is often the second largest physical asset of the church after… Continue reading Getting the Gift! (Part I)