Pages

Importance Of Pipe Organ Maintenance

By Amy Gray


Well-established churches, especially cathedral, need massive music instruments for their congregation or choir. One of those instruments is a pipe organ. It produces sound when pressurized air is driven through organ pipes via a keyboard selection. Pipe organ maintenance is a very crucial aspect that needs to be maintained regularly. Below the importance are discussed in details.

For quality sound production, there is a need for regular checkups. By tuning the primary keys, crystal clear sound can be easily achieved. The act can be done twice a year, mostly at the end of cold and warm seasons. An expert is required for the task to be performed accordingly. It also helps avoid further damage to the organ. Care should be taken to prevent tampering with the original pitch.

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.

Materials used to build pipe organs require renewal since they are perishable. They wear out as time pass. Proven impregnation solutions are used for treatment. Once the soundboard is dismantled, the note channels are opened first and done thoroughly. Sometimes the damage might be severe if the apparatus is left for more prolonged periods without being maintained. The damaged parts can be changed for new parts. An electric blower must never occur if the device is a piece of furniture or a museum artifact.

Temperature change is the leading reason that reduces the service of any musical device. If a room is heated, proper caution should be taken. Wooden parts need attention for them not to dry. The wood needs to sprayed with insecticides in case they possess insects that can destroy them. Leaving the organ alone is crucial, but one should ensure the favorable conditions are in place for the proper function of the instrument.

Choosing a trusted organist is the most important way to maintain any pipe instrument. They should have a proper understanding of the instrument and appreciate the duty laid upon them. Observation, assessment, and reporting any problem should be done thoroughly and in time to avoid more damage.

Pipes of this massive instrument are made of alloys of lead and tin. It makes them very delicate to handle. Bumps or knocks can cause major dents that destroy their quality. When handling them using the hand, one needs to use the utmost care. Reduction of any possible further damage can take place if the handling is done appropriately.

Pipe organs that were built back in the 1700 century have metal pipes covered with a red oxide layer. They have a black toned change making them appear like the crab shells. They are not supposed to get polished though. Polishing them can cause the loss of their authentic sound quality. The surfaces are not supposed to get touched with fingerprints. Touching can make them tarnish that may reduce their service quality. On the other hand, rust can be activated, making this majestic instrument look ugly.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment