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 to our visit:

  1. Confirm that the building and organ are accessible by providing keys or having doors, chambers, and console unlocked.
  2. Make sure ladders or other needed equipment are readily available.
  3. Set the thermostat in advance and as recommended so that the temperature is as stable as possible while we’re tuning.
  4. We usually resolve any tuning issues as part of the tuning process. There is no need to report every note you think might be out of tune but please mention anything extreme or unusual.
  5. If possible, let us know in advance any non-tuning issues that need to be addressed. This allows us to bring parts or equipment that may be needed and that we don’t necessarily keep in our tuning kits, and it helps us determine how much time might be required for the repair.
  6. When reporting issues, be as specific as possible. Can you pinpoint the problem? More information saves us time and the church money. Our preference is for the organist to report problems by phone or email so that we can ask for clarification or additional information when needed.
  7. Although we keep good records, it can be especially useful for you to maintain an ongoing record of mechanical and tuning issues in a notebook kept near the console. Does the same pipe cipher every winter? Does the same reed pipe go out of tune after every visit? This historical record can often help us identify recurring issues that may indicate underlying problems.