Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Importance 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.

Every note needs to be played differently but infrequent time intervals. It helps increase organs durability. Mostly, this is done to the organs that are not used regularly. It helps prevent dust particles and dirt from entering the pipes. Other parts that rely on wind conduction are also saved from this action. For ultimate instrument maintenance, there is a need to ensure that the required degree of humidity is in place.

Perishable materials such as crucial covering and leather need to be renewed. The organ treatment uses proven impregnation solutions. This includes dismantling the soundboard whereby the opening of note channels is first done. In case the damage is severe, the damaged parts will get changed for new pieces. Some elements can be reconstructed precisely like the original copies. If the instrument is a piece of furniture or a museum artifact, an electric blower must never occur.

Temperature change affects the organs sound quality. Proper care needs to be taken in rooms that are heated. The temperatures fluctuation is supposed to be maintained to prevent the wood from drying. Insecticides can be used to get rid of insects that damage the wood. Leaving alone the equipment while ensuring proper conditions are provided is the ultimate step to making the device last longer.

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.

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 that have lasted longer years always have an oxide layer formed on the metal pipes surface. They become stiffer, and their color changes to a blacker tone. Nonetheless, they should not be polished at all, for they will lose their historic sound completely. They should be left undisturbed for touching directly with fingerprints can tarnish them. Rust can also be activated, so it is better if touching is avoided.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment