Effects of Humidity on the Pipe Organ Many pipe organ components are constructed with wood. Wood is affected by changes in humidity. Wood absorbs moisture in the air and expands when the humidity is higher; conversely, it will release moisture and contract when the humidity is low. Ideally, relative humidity levels should be maintained between..
Temperature Considerations Temperature is critical for accurate tuning. If you’ve ever played a wind instrument, you probably remember warming up prior to tuning. This is necessary because the temperature of the player’s breath affects the pitch of the wind instrument. The same concept is true with organ pipes. Flue pipes (principals, strings, and flutes) change..
Preparing for Our Visit Properly preparing for a tuning prior to our arrival means we can spend our time on tuning and maintenance rather than waiting for a door to be unlocked or anything else that needs to be done before we can start our work. Below is a list of factors to consider prior..
Insurance As the primary overseer of the pipe organ, the organist should consult with church leaders to make sure the organ is adequately insured. Over the years, several instruments we maintain have been damaged by water from roof leaks and lightning strikes to the building. Vandalism and fires are not as common but do occur…
Understanding Pipe Organ Lingo – Part 1 As one of the biggest investments a church can make, the pipe organ requires careful attention to ensure its longevity. In this series of articles, Luke Tegtmeier will help bridge the gap between organist and organ builder. Recently, my car was making a funny noise. When I took..
