Should We Restore and Rebuild?

Most churches with an existing, older organ have options:

1) rebuild the current pipe organ;

2) replace the pipe organ with an electronic substitute;

3) purchase an entirely new pipe organ; or

4) do nothing and continue with the instrument.

To remove an existing pipe organ for the option of an electronic substitute is like throwing out the Rolls Royce for the need of a few spark plugs and new leather on the seats - only to replace it with a Volkswagon Bug.

"Most pipe organs, even those that are neglected and in greatest need of repair, have considerable value. The pipes, casework, console shell, and many other organ components never wear out. By replacing control mechanisms, revoicing, and perhaps adding a few ranks of pipes, skilled pipe organ craftsmen can almost always transform an older pipe organ into an instrument far superior to electronic substitutes."

"The cost of rebuilding a pipe organ is usually competitive with replacing it with an electronic organ. Even if rebuilding costs more, it gives your church an asset that far surpasses the long-term value of an electronic organ, no matter how many 'bells and whistles' have been added to that electronic substitute."

Please allow APOS to give you the proper directions on what the real costs would be of refurbishing your current organ and the residual value of the instrument in its current condition.