Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Benefits Of Pipe Organ Maintenance

By Amy Gray


The world is well known by many people for its many unique heritages. One is the collection of prominent instruments called pipe organs. It is a specialized musical instrument that is part machine, furniture, and a form of the building. It, therefore, requires proper maintenance for it to produce the best sound quality. An expert is needed for a pipe organ maintenance to be performed accordingly.

Regular checkups need to be done for this instrument to produce the best sound quality. Tuning is one of primary keys to better sound production. An expert to avoid any damage can do it twice a year. An adjustment may be made at the end of winter and summer seasons since temperature affects them.

Playing every note at different but frequent time intervals helps maintain increasing durability. This applies to the instruments that are not regularly used. Doing this prevents dust particles and any other dirt entering the pipes and parts that rely on wind conduction. Ensuring the needed degree of humidity is in existence is a crucial way machine maintenance.

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.

One of the essential ways to maintain the instrument is by choosing a trusted organist. One with the understanding and appreciation of the duty delegated to them. The capability of observing and reporting any damage after assessment should be their firm values.

Since the pipes are made of alloys of lead and tin, they are very delicate when handling. Simple knocks or bumps can cause major dents destroying the quality of the instrument. One should, therefore, handle them carefully to minimize damage. Thus, owners or technicians can avoid incurring a massive loss.

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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