The care of existing organs has been an important component of Buzard Pipe Organ Builders’ work since its founding in 1986. We are committed to providing complete satisfaction in the full range of pipe organ maintenance.
We regularly care for over 225 organs on a contract basis and on-call basis, including the oldest pipe organ in Chicago. Our technicians are well-qualified to tune in equal and historic temperaments. We are curators of the organs at Depauw University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our staff is fully equipped to undertake all kinds of re-leathering work, action renovation, and pipe repairs for organs of any style.
Tuning and Maintenance
Pipe organs go out of tune when the ambient temperature in the organ’s environment changes. Therefore, most of our regular tuning clients contract with us for two tunings per year, one in the fall/winter when the heating season is established, and one in the spring/summer when the air-conditioning season is underway. We tune and maintain instruments for over 225 clients on a contractual and on-call basis.
All organs require a thorough cleaning every 20–30 years in addition to regular inspection and minor repairs. We are happy to recommend a sensible maintenance routine for your valuable musical instrument.
Restoration
We are proud to undertake projects that preserve historic instruments as unaltered examples of the artistry of the craftspeople who built them. Such projects are undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Organ Historical Society.
Rebuilding and Tonal Enhancements
Successfully enhancing an existing pipe organ is, in many ways, more challenging than building a good new one. One of the strengths of our Service Department is the ability to make additions or modifications in keeping with the character of an organ’s existing tonal palette, bringing out its best sound without taking it outside the style laid down by the organ’s original designer. Read more about our tonal philosophy.
Consoles
As the organ’s control center, the look, feel, and comfort of the console is critical to good playing; and, as they are often the visual focus for listeners, the cabinetry and amenities must be first-rate as well. We specialize in both rebuilding and construction of consoles for all types of instruments.
Relocation
Disassembling, moving, and reassembling an organ requires strict attention to detail, gentle handling, and sensitivity to both the new location and the many other parties involved in the project. We have long experience in all these matters, and stand ready to assist you in a smooth transition.
Consultation Services
A prospective organ project can always benefit from receiving well-considered information and opinions before the project is underway. We frequently provide consultations on acoustical improvements to your building, especially in conjunction with a new organ or rebuilding project for which we may be considered, and in conjunction with other design professionals. This is an essential component of the planning process and one should involve an organbuilder from the outset. We are qualified both as organbuilders and as organists, and each provides an important perspective to the other. Each member of our service staff is familiar with acoustical and logistical considerations necessary to be considered in any organ project.
We are also well-qualified to provide liturgical and architectural consultation, especially as concerns the siting and placement of a new pipe organ, or one that is being considered for relocation, and integrating it with other components into your worship space.
