7/07/2019

Importance Of Pipe Organ Maintenance

By Amy Gray


Well-established churches, especially cathedral, need massive music instruments for their congregation or choir. One of those instruments is a pipe organ. It produces sound when pressurized air is driven through organ pipes via a keyboard selection. Pipe organ maintenance is a very crucial aspect that needs to be maintained regularly. Below the importance are discussed in details.

Regular checkups need to be done for this instrument to produce the best sound quality. Tuning is one of primary keys to better sound production. An expert to avoid any damage can do it twice a year. An adjustment may be made at the end of winter and summer seasons since temperature affects them.

Every note needs to be played differently but infrequent time intervals. It helps increase organs durability. Mostly, this is done to the organs that are not used regularly. It helps prevent dust particles and dirt from entering the pipes. Other parts that rely on wind conduction are also saved from this action. For ultimate instrument maintenance, there is a need to ensure that the required degree of humidity is in place.

Perishable materials such as crucial covering and leather need to be renewed. The organ treatment uses proven impregnation solutions. This includes dismantling the soundboard whereby the opening of note channels is first done. In case the damage is severe, the damaged parts will get changed for new pieces. Some elements can be reconstructed precisely like the original copies. If the instrument is a piece of furniture or a museum artifact, an electric blower must never occur.

Temperature change affects the organs sound quality. Proper care needs to be taken in rooms that are heated. The temperatures fluctuation is supposed to be maintained to prevent the wood from drying. Insecticides can be used to get rid of insects that damage the wood. Leaving alone the equipment while ensuring proper conditions are provided is the ultimate step to making the device last longer.

Choosing a trusted organist is the most important way to maintain any pipe instrument. They should have a proper understanding of the instrument and appreciate the duty laid upon them. Observation, assessment, and reporting any problem should be done thoroughly and in time to avoid more damage.

Pipes of this massive instrument are made of alloys of lead and tin. It makes them very delicate to handle. Bumps or knocks can cause major dents that destroy their quality. When handling them using the hand, one needs to use the utmost care. Reduction of any possible further damage can take place if the handling is done appropriately.

Organs dated back in the 17th century form an oxide layer on the metal pipes surface, making their color change to a black tone, and they also become stiffer like the shell of a crab. One should leave them as they are for polishing them will make them making lose their historic sound quality completely. Touching them with fingerprints tarnishes their surface. It could also activate rust, making them look ugly. Some shops use a clear varnish to finish the pipes. Rust is therefore put at bay reducing the cost of maintenance. Entrusting the passage of time is one of the best moves.




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