Frequently Asked Questions

Many churches are unsure whether their instrument is a pipe organ, an electronic organ, or a reed organ.

Useful starting points include church records, local history sources, press cuttings, and the National Pipe Organ Register.

A simple visual inspection can also help: pipe organs usually contain visible pipes, trackers, bellows, or air trunks, while electronic organs rely mainly on wiring and speakers. An organ builder or consultant can quickly confirm the type and action.

This is very common. Large estimates often combine urgent and non-urgent work. Options include asking an independent consultant to prioritise essential repairs, requesting alternative proposals from the organ builder for a limited budget, or seeking comparable quotes. In some cases, reducing an over-ambitious specification or considering a re-homed pipe organ can be a sensible solution.

This decision deserves careful thought. While electronic organs can appear cheaper initially, they have a limited lifespan, typically 25 to 30 years, and repairs become difficult as parts become obsolete. Re-homed pipe organs can often be installed at comparable cost and offer far greater longevity, musical value, and heritage benefit.

Don’t panic. Many faults are routine and fixable. Issues such as notes sounding continuously (known as cyphers), stuck trackers, or minor electrical problems often have straightforward causes. A professional organ builder can diagnose these efficiently, and basic advice is available for identifying symptoms before calling one out.

Pipe organs use surprisingly little electricity, mainly to power the blower. Running costs are usually modest. Regular tuning, typically once or twice a year, is the main ongoing expense and often costs a few hundred pounds per visit, depending on the organ’s size, location, and condition.

Changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure gradually affect tuning. Dust, pollution, ageing leather, and minor mechanical wear can also cause issues. Tuning involves adjusting each pipe individually and is a skilled, time-consuming process. Regular maintenance prevents small issues becoming major ones.

This depends on the type of organ. Mechanical tracker organs often need significant refurbishment every 35 to 50 years, mainly involving leatherwork and cleaning. Electronic organs generally require complete replacement after 25 to 30 years. With routine care, pipe organs can last for centuries.

Good care includes keeping water out of the organ, maintaining stable temperature and humidity, arranging regular tuning, and ensuring the blower is serviced. Monitoring humidity is particularly important, ideally keeping it around 65 percent and avoiding prolonged periods below 45 percent.

Local tuning books, online searches, and professional bodies are good starting points. The Institute of British Organ Building maintains guidance, and Pipe Up aims to host an accessible directory. Typical day rates outside London are around £350 plus VAT, travel, and materials.

Yes, though funding can be complex. Several trusts support organ repairs, and Pipe Up is developing up-to-date guidance tailored specifically to churches with limited resources.

These grants can be challenging and highly competitive. Applications require strong heritage justification, professional reports, and long lead times. Pipe Up can provide neutral guidance to help churches decide whether this route is realistic.

Before making a decision, it’s worth reflecting on long-term implications. Pipe organs often support weddings, funerals, community use, and heritage value. Removal can be costly, and re-homing opportunities are limited. Temporary changes in worship style don’t always justify permanent loss.

Not necessarily. Many dormant organs need far less work than expected. Establishing what happens when the blower is switched on and seeking impartial advice can prevent unnecessary loss. Avoid committing to major decisions based on a single estimate.

In many cases, yes. Re-homed pipe organs are often available and can be installed at costs comparable to replacing an electronic instrument, with far greater longevity and value.

Very much so. Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can damage organs. Underfloor and warm-air heating systems are particularly risky. Any heating changes should be planned with the organ’s needs in mind.

Pipe organs can be valuable community assets, supporting concerts, events, weddings, and education. Pipe Up provides guidance on integrating organs into community use rather than removing them unnecessarily.

Local pianists can often be encouraged to learn the organ. Advertising through professional networks such as Royal College of Organists and Organists Online is effective. Typical fees vary depending on experience and role.

Major tonal changes are rarely advisable. Alternatives include using a secondary instrument for accompaniment or making better use of the existing specification.

Historic listing can be beneficial but is time-consuming and not always necessary. Advice from British Institute of Organ Studies can help determine whether listing is appropriate.

A pipe organ produces sound by supplying air to pipes of different sizes and shapes, controlled by a keyboard and stop system. Despite appearances, the underlying principles are surprisingly simple and robust.

Resources from Organists Online and the Royal College of Organists offer practical guidance for pianists transitioning to organ playing.

The Royal College of Organists provides structured learning paths, local contacts, and educational materials suitable for beginners.