Below you will find the most commonly asked questions about my services. For clarification, further details, or to ask a question not listed, please contact me.
How are you able to keep costs so low when transplanting a pipe organ?
The key to my business model is to utilize hard-working volunteers from your church. Depending upon the size of the organ (10-20 stops: 2-3 volunteers; 21-30: 3-4 volunteers; 31-40: 4-5 volunteers, etc.), individuals who can commit to being away from home for several days and lift at least 50 lbs can help cut costs dramatically. I will spend half a day training them by giving an overview of the project, what tasks they will be assigned, and how to properly execute. Storing pipes in wooden trays, dismantling wind lines, taking apart the swell box, and removing the blower are just a few of the many jobs that need many hands to help make the process go quickly and smoothly.
How do you transport the pipe organ?
For an organ that is 25 stops or less, I am able to rent a moving truck (U-Haul, Ryder, Penske). A larger instrument will most likely need a trucking service. In either case, the organ will be fully insured for the purchase price.
The pipe organ we purchased needs to be rebuilt. Where does this happen?
Since I do not have an organ shop, all work is done on site. This can be done in a number of ways. The first task is to secure housing for me, preferably close to the church. Usually the church will find a host family, which will essentially eliminate housing costs. If the person I am staying with has a garage, this can be utilized as a workshop. Depending on the size of the organ, all framework can be setup at the church. Electric windchests can be installed (if there is no previous water damage) and pouch boards can be removed for releathing. Pipe trays can be stored in the garage and worked on rank by rank. If there is no garage, a church hall or stage area could be utilized as a work area. The larger the organ the more time and space it will require. A storage unit near the church will most likely need to be rented if an organ is 20 stops or more (unless the church has a large storage area). Each organ and church will have its own unique situation, but through careful planning a solution can be found.
The cost benefit to rebuilding an organ in this manner is immense. The customary manner is to dismantle the organ, pack the truck, ship it to an organ shop, unpack the truck, rebuild it, pack the truck, ship it to church, unpack the truck, and assemble.