Pipe Organ Tuning And Maintenance
A pipe organ is a delicate musical instrument, and as such, some are more temperamental than others; but all need regular care and service. The most common maintenance is tuning. Pipe organ tuning is affected by seasonal changes and by changes in temperature in the room. Because a qualified organ builder is the only one who should adjust and tune an organ, we recommend that our clients schedule periodic service visits, which include tuning.
Periodic maintenance and tuning are essential to protecting the stewardship investment of the church or university organ. Like any mechanical item, periodic maintenance and service will be necessary to keep a pipe organ in good condition. Our staff is well versed in the maintenance of many types of pipe organs and the many different organ builders’ designs.
Often we find organs that have simply been neglected or poorly serviced, giving the impression the pipe organ is in much worse shape than it is in reality. Resetting temperaments and re-pitching divisions can have a dramatic effect on the sound of the organ.
At a “Seasonal Service Visit” we will do the following:
- Check/adjust temperament
- Listen to all pipes and adjust tuning for best overall effect
- Bring the pipe organ back into tune with itself by tuning all divisions to a reference division
- Tune all Reed stops
- Check capped /stoppered Flute basses
- Fix minor problems
- Check and take note of any developing problems that may need either short or long-term solutions
- Check the pipe organ blower, and lubricate as needed
The Tuning Process. Tuning is the process of adjusting each pipe in the organ to the correct pitch. This is completed by a two-man team: the Tuner and the Tuning Assistant. The Tuner will complete the physical manipulation of the pipes in the chamber while the Assistant stays at the console, receiving direction from the tuner as to which stop and note to engage, and listening to the tuning process, acting as a second set of ears (outside of the chamber).
Generally speaking, pipe organ tuning is the process of changing the length of each flue pipe, using various means such as tuning slides, caps, etc., and the length of the vibrating tongue of each reed pipe by means of a tuning wire. However, there so much more involved than simply “tapping pipes” and it requires the teamwork of two skilled technicians to tune an instrument.
Since the pitch is affected by the temperature of the air in and around the pipes, the tuning fluctuates with temperature changes, and must be re-done periodically if the organ is to sound its best.
Please contact us for all your pipe organ tuning and maintenance needs.
Service Contracts. Service Contracts or (tuning contracts) are generally billed on a “Time and Material” basis unless specifically established as a “Fixed Price Contract,” and are considered binding for a minimum of two years. It will be self-renewing if there are no adjustments at the conclusion of the two years. Non-contract clients or new clients may request consideration for a service contract by contacting the Service Department.
Regular pipe organ tuning seasons are conducted up to four times a year, coinciding with the holidays of Easter and Christmas, as well as the seasonal changes in late spring/summer and late summer/fall.
Clients can either pre-determine a frequency that their instrument is tuned (tuning contract)—in which case they are automatically included in the appropriate seasonal schedule—or call to coordinate a tuning visit.
Tuning contracts are generally “Time and Material” unless specifically established as a “Fixed Price Contract”, and are considered binding for a minimum of two years.
For more information on establishing a service relationship with us, please go to our Resource Center section of the website, under “Routine Tuning and Maintenance” and click on “General Service Procedures.”
Request for Service. Regular pipe organ tuning seasons are conducted up to four times a year, coinciding with the holidays of Easter and Christmas, as well as the seasonal changes in late spring/summer and late summer/fall. Special considerations are generally made in regard to office hours, staffing and “emergencies” during the seasons of Christmas and Easter. Clients can either pre-determine a frequency that their instrument is tuned (tuning contract)—in which case they are automatically included in the appropriate seasonal schedule—or call to coordinate a tuning visit.
Requests for service are generally coordinated over the phone or as a result of a pre-determined agreement for a scheduled tuning or an agreed-to repair project. Unexpected/unanticipated requests for service—“Emergency requests”—will be completed as our scheduled permits based on the critical nature of the problem. Typically, a service date for an unexpected service requirement will be assigned either upon initial contact with our service department or within 24 hours of the initial call, for completion within the next 5-7 business days.
A request for an unexpected service call placed after hours will be returned no later than the next business day and scheduled—based on the level of emergency—as soon as possible. Every reasonable effort will be made to address an unexpected service requirement—depending upon the nature of the “emergency”—as soon as possible and so as to minimize the impact on the client’s schedule of events.
Billing and Time Calculations. Routine service/tuning visit charges are calculated based on the total time spent in servicing our clients (including travel time), essentially from the time we depart our facility until we return.
Every reasonable attempt will be made to “group” service calls; however, scheduling of service calls is left up to the discretion of the Patrick J. Murphy & Associates staff.
Terms. Prompt payment for services is anticipated and invoices are due at the time of receipt from our clients (unless other arrangements have been made in writing). Invoices will be considered “past due” after thirty days; overdue notices are sent and finance charges are assessed at that time. Every reasonable attempt will be made to address issues or concerns regarding a particular invoice that is affecting payment prior to the invoice being processed as “overdue” and finance charges assessed.
Warranty. Any dissatisfaction with any service performed must be reported within five working days of the visit. A return visit will be made without charge if it is determined that the problem was the fault of previous work performed.
