Blog Archives - Leek Pipe Organs

Tracker Organs – Mastering Touch & Tone! Part 2

This article is a continuation of Part 1.
It contrasts the unique acoustic quality of a Tracker Pipe Organ and describes the technology and design that allows a Tracker instrument and its players to create a custom organic acoustic experience unlike sounds generated by electrified or electronic organs.

Tracker Organs – Mastering Touch & Tone! Part 1

For Sale : Wilhelm Tracker Pipe Organ (2002) 23 Ranks

“The most complex of all musical instruments, tracker pipe organs work mechanically rather than electronically. When the organist depresses keys, a complex set of wood and metal arms and levers is activated, opening valves that allow air to rush through the pipes — much like human breath makes a whistle operate — and with similar variations… Continue reading Tracker Organs – Mastering Touch & Tone! Part 1

Getting the Gift (Part II)

Example of a Donor Acknowledgement Wall Welcome Back! For a quick review of the first five of the ten fundraising tips – Click below. Getting the Gift Part 1. 6. Be Creative with the “How” (to Get Gifts). Gifts of cash are top dollar; usually in a lump sum or paid over time. Some… Continue reading Getting the Gift (Part II)

Adverse Climate Impacts

Macro and micro climates…. Macro Climates typically refer to external – adverse weather events like floods, lightning, wind, rain, snow storms, fire – while these are continuing to be unpredictable and more frequent, with any physical asset like the pipe organ, the longevity of the asset is also impacted by microclimates. Have you ever been… Continue reading Adverse Climate Impacts

From Scratch to Symphony! Birth of a Tracker Pipe Organ……

Book a Consult for a Custom Tracker Organ Today James Leek is among a few handful of remaining professionally active, tracker action experts nationwide. With more than 3 generations of experience, the Leek Team is well-equipped to guide you through the steps to successfully make your dream of a custom built tracker pipe organ dream a… Continue reading From Scratch to Symphony! Birth of a Tracker Pipe Organ……

Right Place. Right Tone.

What’s that sound? Optimal organ acoustic effect! Churches, auditoriums and theaters, concert halls, you name it, all have various dimensions of shapes, sounds; and other architectural elements that can improve or injure the sound of any pipe organ. When building an organ, its placement should be precisely determined. A poorly placed pipe organ can impact… Continue reading Right Place. Right Tone.

Getting the Gift! (Part I)

With all of the spiritual gifts that the church has to offer, sometimes the church has to be the one to receive! The financial dynamics of religious institutions can be complex but longtime leaders and members understand the need to make ends meet. The pipe organ is often the second largest physical asset of the church after… Continue reading Getting the Gift! (Part I)

Releathering Pipe Stoppers

Pipe organs are complex instruments and pipe organ construction takes skill and is laborious. They need regular and timely care for robust worship accompaniment. One important maintenance item is the re-leathering of stoppers, particularly of wooden pipes. Re-leathering is a process that includes the removal of worn leather from the pipe organ and replacing it… Continue reading Releathering Pipe Stoppers

Don’t Let Climate Create Calamity

Pipe organs are living, breathing instruments that naturally interact with the environment. Changes in temperature and humidity can create calamity for a pipe organ. It is important to carefully manage and encourage the stability of the organ’s environment. Doing so can improve the durability of the instrument and save money for its institution. Improper environmental… Continue reading Don’t Let Climate Create Calamity

Pipe Organ Actions

The pipe organ has numerous, sometimes thousands, of working components that produce its majestic ranges of sounds. Thus, the king of instruments. The “style of action” is (one of) the pipe organ’s essential inner workings. Action is determined by the functions carried out when a key or pedal is pressed so as to produce sound.… Continue reading Pipe Organ Actions