Organ Service
It’s incredible to think that organs have lasted 30, 40 and 50 years, and many families fondly remember family gatherings around the organ, or grandma playing a tune.
Today the organ is alive and well, with prominent manufacturers like Hammond and Johannus leading the way with models for home, stage and church.
The sound of the organ is truly special and holds a unique position in church music as well as popular and classical music.
Here at Bernie’s, we began our store in 1977 selling just organs. For over 45 years we have sold, serviced and enjoyed organs. Please contact us for advice and read our tips below.
Organ Repair Advice
This article is designed to assist you in making decisions on servicing or repairing an organ.
Many organ brands saw their heyday in the 1970’s and 1980’s when the Lowrey Teenie Geenie and the Hammond A series were found in most lounge rooms. Today these organs are more than 40 years old.
Playing the organ is wonderful fun and here at Bernies Music Land, we love making music on the organ.
Finding a service agent to repair an organ can be difficult, as many service technicians have retired and many companies no longer make organs.
Service to organs over 20 years old may be “like opening a can of worms”. When manufacturing was 30, 40 or even 50 years ago, technicians found that taking an organ apart to repair it often resulted in more broken parts or issues discovered.
The organ specialists at Bernies Music Land are happy to discuss with you, free of charge, whether the particular model you have is feasible to repair and what options may be available to you. Please give us a call on 03 9872 5122.
Finding Parts for Organs
If the organ manufacturer has ceased production it may not be possible to get parts for any repair.
If it is a popular or generic part, like key contacts or globes, a service centre may have a suitable part in its inventory.
When a manufacturer has ceased, the only way to locate specialty parts, including boards, is to have another organ of the same model to take it from. This may not be a cost-effective repair.
Fortunately, some manufacturers are still going strong, like Hammond and Johannus, so the chance of obtaining parts is likely.
Johannus has a renowned policy to offer parts for any Johannus model ever made. The popularity of the Hammond models means that some specialist Hammond technicians can be found around Australia, who hold parts for a great deal of older Hammond models, while the Hammond factory in Japan has an excellent relationship with the Australian distributor and provides parts within days.
What to do with your old Organ
It’s incredible to think that organs have lasted 30, 40 and 50 years, and many families fondly remember family gatherings around the organ, or grandma playing a tune.
There are two considerations to bear in mind when thinking about what to do with an old organ;
- Is it in fashion?
Like particular cars that have become classics, there is a very small handful of organs that are sought-after because of their uniqueness and charm. This includes the “Horseshoe” console and the Hammond B3. - Is it in complete working order?
Old organs with faults may not be repairable.
Keeping a working organ in the family for someone to enjoy is the best option. If this is not possible, consider that it may have a small value as a trade-in at Bernies Music Land towards a new organ or piano. This way, the old instrument is contributing to the next 30, 40 or 50 years of musical enjoyment in your home. Feel free to give us a call at 03 9872 5122 to chat about this option.
Sadly many old organs head for the tip.
Our recommended carriers offer a “collect and tip” service for a fee.
Your local council may have a tip service for organs or pianos for a smaller cost, so it is worth giving them a call.
We are not currently aware of any “recycling” programs for old organs or organ parts, but if you hear of or start a program, we’d love to know about it!
Can I Donate my Old Organ to a Local Church or Kindergarten?
Unfortunately, Churches and Kindergartens are really only looking for donations of new, reliable instruments that can benefit their current music program.
Which Organs do you Service at Bernie’s?
Bernies Music Land has a specialist organ technician on staff at our Ringwood, Melbourne showrooms and is pleased to assist with service for:
- Any Johannus organ
- Any Hammond organ less than 20 years old
- Any instrument purchased at Bernies Music Land.
Here at Bernie’s, we have sold and serviced organs for 45 years. Our organ specialists are happy to chat with you for fair advice on any make and model of the organ, so please give us a call at 03 9872 5122.