Thursday, July 4, 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.

For quality sound production, there is a need for regular checkups. By tuning the primary keys, crystal clear sound can be easily achieved. The act can be done twice a year, mostly at the end of cold and warm seasons. An expert is required for the task to be performed accordingly. It also helps avoid further damage to the organ. Care should be taken to prevent tampering with the original pitch.

Another way of organ maintenance is by playing every note frequently in different time intervals. With that done, the organ will be more durable. The action prevents dust and dirt from building in the parts, relying on wind conduction and pipes as well. It ensures the needed humidity degree is in place. The drill is done to instruments that are not used regularly.

Leather and wood used to make the organ wear out as time passes by. They need to be renewed once this has been noted. Proven impregnation solutions are used for the treatment of such perishable materials. Once the soundboard is dismantled, the opening of the note channels is done first. If the damage is quite bad, the parts are replaced with new parts. The pieces require being constructed exactly as the original part.

Change of temperature in a room with an instrument affects the functionality. Caution should be taken if an apartment is heated. Attention needs to be given to the temperature of the room for it may prevent the wooden parts from drying. Spraying insecticides can curb insects that destroy wood. The organs should be left alone by ensuring favorable conditions are provided. This will reduce the need for restoration work.

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.

The pipes are made of alloys of tin and lead, making them very delicate. Minor bumps can cause dents. They should not be held too tightly for that can make them twisted. They are therefore supposed to be stuck with utmost care whenever the equipment is being cleaned or repaired. It will reduce any possible damage to the significant components of the instrument.

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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