This organ is unique in American organbuilding. It is the magnum opus of Harry Kriisa, an Estonian-born organbuilder whose family firm in Taalin (founded in the 19th century) still exists. At the end of World War II, Mr. Kriisa’s immigration to the United States was sponsored by the congregation of First Lutheran Church. Mr. Kriisa […] Read More
The organ at University Lutheran church was originally installed in 1963 by E. H. Holloway of Indianapolis. When we first examined the organ in the fall of 2002, it stood in need of a complete mechanical overhaul. After discussions with the church’s organ committee and consultant, it was agreed that a complete rebuilding project would […] Read More
We are delighted to have installed a long-prepared-for 8' Trumpet in the Great of this 1886 Barckhoff organ. The new pipes are exact copies of the only extant original Barckhoff 8' Trumpet, from St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lancaster, PA. The copies were made while the originals were in the hands of our pipemaker for […] Read More
This organ project was a special joy for us at Buzard Pipe Organ Builders. Like many renovation projects, it did not happen quickly. John-Paul Buzard first visited this organ in its original home in December, 1990, and pointed out that this venerable instrument was overdue for a comprehensive renovation. Buzard Pipe Organ Builders had already developed […] Read More
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville, Illinois 1. The console was completely rebuilt, retaining the existing stoprail and combination action. All new stop tablets were supplied to reflect the modified specification. New manual keyboards, with plastic natural and sharp keytops, and a new pedalboard, with maple natural and plastic sharp keytops, and thumb pistons, were supplied, […] Read More
Some organ projects take a long time. In the case of this undertaking, it can perhaps be said that this project has taken 110 years! It was in 1897 that the W.W. Kimball Co. of Chicago, IL installed a two manual and pedal tubular pneumatic action pipe organ in First Presbyterian Church, Lexington, Kentucky. […] Read More
The Henry Vincet Willis Organ - A National Treasure in Organbuilding The organ in the Cathedral is a significant instrument, not only within the city and diocese of Peoria, but also in the overall context of early-twentieth-century American organ building. Tonally it is among the largest and most important instruments designed, scaled and voiced by a […] Read More
Kramer Chapel sits in a commanding position on the campus (designed by Eero Saarinen) of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. The 1958 Schlicker organ was designed in conjunction with the architect and consultant Paul Bunjes. As initially installed it cost $45,000, was dedicated to an overflow crowd by E. Power Biggs, and was […] Read More
1950’s Schlicker organ, renovation (stage 1) in 2009 by Buzard Pipe Organ Builders Console rebuilt with new solid state relay and combination action. New Swell slider windchest, replacing existing pitman chest. New Swell 1-1/3’ Larigot in style of lost original stop. Enlargement of Swell enclosure and new electric expression engine. Restoration of reservoir and tremolo. […] Read More
Buzard Pipe Organ Builders has completed renovations and restorations to the Wurlitzer Theater Organ from the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL. The Wurlitzer Style 185 was first installed without a Tibia, as was the fashion in 1921; as the Tibia color became an essential component of movie theater organ accompaniment sound, the owners had […] Read More