Pipe Organ Tuning

A pipe organ is a delicate musical instrument, and as such, some are more temperamental than others; but all need regular care and service.  The most common maintenance is tuning. Pipe organ tuning is affected by seasonal changes and by changes in temperature in the room.  Because a qualified organ builder is the only one who should adjust and tune an organ, we recommend that our clients schedule periodic service visits, which include tuning.

Periodic maintenance and tuning are essential to protecting the stewardship investment of the church, university, or Theater organ. Like any mechanical item, periodic maintenance and service will be necessary to keep a pipe organ in good condition.  Relaxing on regular maintenance can result in large repairs or failure of the instruments playing ability; DON'T LET THAT BE YOU!  Our staff is well versed in the maintenance of many types of pipe organs and the many different organ builders’ designs.

Often we find organs that have simply been neglected or poorly serviced, giving the impression the pipe organ is in much worse shape than it is in reality. Resetting temperaments and re-pitching divisions can have a dramatic effect on the sound of the organ.

At a “Seasonal Service Visit” we will do the following:

• Check/adjust temperament

• Listen to all pipes and adjust tuning for best overall effect

• Bring the pipe organ back into tune with itself by tuning all divisions to a reference division

• Tune all Reed stops

• Check capped /stoppered Flute basses

• Fix minor problems

• Check and take note of any developing problems that may need either short or long-term solutions and report them.

• Check the pipe organ blower, and lubricate as needed

The Tuning Process. Tuning is the process of adjusting each pipe in the organ to the correct pitch. This is completed by a two-man team: the Tuner and the Tuning Assistant. The Tuner will complete the physical manipulation of the pipes in the chamber while the Assistant stays at the console, receiving direction from the tuner as to which stop and note to engage, and listening to the tuning process, acting as a second set of ears (outside of the chamber).

Generally speaking, pipe organ tuning is the process of changing the length of each flue pipe, using various means such as tuning slides, caps, etc., and the length of the vibrating tongue of each reed pipe by means of a tuning wire. However, there so much more involved than simply “tapping pipes” and it requires the teamwork of two skilled technicians to tune an instrument.

Since the pitch is affected by the temperature of the air in and around the pipes, the tuning fluctuates with temperature changes, and must be re-done periodically if the organ is to sound its best.

Please contact us for all your pipe organ tuning and maintenance needs.