What should you expect?
By applying our expertise and care, every instrument we restore will continue to bear witness to the stewardship of those who have been and those who will be responsible for its musical integrity.
Evaluation
Completing a thorough inspection, along with research into the background of the instrument and in-depth consultation with our client, helps us determine and recommend the best course of action for each unique situation.
Tonal Restoration
We retain, or when necessary, re-establish the historical integrity of the tonal resources by reconditioning the pipework and reversing any modifications to the original voicing.
Mechanical Restoration
We maintain the integrity of the mechanical resources by applying our comprehensive approach to restoring the components to pristine condition using traditional methods and materials. Any component that must be replaced is replicated as closely as possible to the original. All restored elements are tested for proper operation prior to re-installation.
Historical Integrity
Great care is taken during removal, re-installation, and transportation to protect every part of the instrument.
FAQ's: Pipe Organ Restoration
1) We currently own a pipe organ in need of rebuilding or restoration. How do we decide the best course of action?
While pipe organs are intended to endure the test of time and last many decades or even hundreds of years, it is not uncommon for organs to be modified or augmented as musical tastes change. More organs have been rendered obsolete due to changing tastes than mechanical failure.
A pipe organ will be a good candidate for restoration when sufficient original material exists (or can be obtained from other sources) and the resulting instrument will meet or exceed the musical and technical needs of its owner.
Conversely, rebuilding occurs when a combination of original and new materials are necessary to achieve the musical and technical goals set for the project.
In either case, the experts at Muller Pipe Organ can guide you through this decision.
2) What is the difference between restoration and rebuilding?
Restoration is the process of returning an instrument to a previous state, using techniques and procedures set forth by the Organ Historical Society. This involves reusing as much of the original material as possible, and when new materials are required, they are made to closely resemble the original. Modern materials are not utilized in restoration unless absolutely necessary.
Rebuilding often entails utilizing modern components and techniques and is not an attempt to restore an organ to its original state.
