Pipe Organs

We sold our home pipe organ in 2010...it was time to move on to a new phase of life, but people occasionally ask me how to get started on building a home pipe organ.

1. Start with a used pipe organ or at least the major portion of one. You can add used ranks after you have a base.
2. Subscribe to pipe organ discussion groups. At least one of those used to be called pipechat.org.
3. I found I was "reinventing the wheel" each time I began constructing a new windchest. I finally committed to paper some of the practical aspects and techniques I've found useful. Pipe Organ Windchest Construction is a PDF that contains step-by-step instructions and drawings for electro-pneumatic and direct electric chests. This is "hobbyist level", not professional grade.
4. I designed a belt-driven unit to replace the Century motor in a Spencer blower at Christ Memorial Church in Williston, Vermont, USA. It was literally 100 years old and had sporadic starting problems. My replacement is an example of realistic substitutions that obtain a working outcome.

This is the nine-rank pipe organ that we installed at Christ Memorial Church in Williston, Vermont, USA. I led the 40-person crew in organ renovation, facility preparation, and organ installation. 12 weeks, 1000 man-hours. People have asked where I found 40 people who would all work toward the common goal of bringing this project to very quick completion without letting this project drag on for several years.

Here's my thoughts...

• These were people in a church that recognized that while a pipe organ would facilitate worship, it wasn't the only instrument to accomplish this, nor were hymns were the only type of acceptable music genre for the church. Indeed, this church is rich in both classical and contemporary music, the common thread being that the sung words preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We skip certain hymns and much of contemporary "happy clappy" music that doesn't contain the Gospel message. Overall, in this church the pipe organ expanded the boundaries at the one end of the musical spectrum; drums and bass guitars did the same at the other end.
• These were people who were involved in different phases of the project, some with more time, some with less time. Some only helped restore wood parts, some helped in electrical renovation, some helped with readying the building and balcony, and some helped in all the phases.
• These were people involved in a church that hits projects with energy and tenacity, but in a way that prevents the project from "killing the troops."

To God be the glory!