The organbuilding industry in Australia is as diverse as the country itself.

Organbuilding in this country can be traced back to the earliest days of the colony and our strong links with England are still evident in today's workforce. With Australia's cultural and ethnic diversification, especially following the Second World War, Australian organbuilders welcomed colleagues from other parts of Europe and the rest of the world as well. This of course is greatly beneficial and greatly adds to the skills and knowledge base held within the industry.

Regular tuning and maintenance...

A pipe organ needs to be used on a regular basis. It also needs to be properly maintained by a qualified organbuilder to ensure reliable and trouble free service. Most member firms provide this specialised service, many also travelling to remote country areas of their respective states. There will also unfortunately be times when something does go wrong with an instrument and this is when the services of your professional organbuilder are essential. Your organbuilder will be familiar with your particular instrument and will be able to diagnose problems quickly. He will also then have the knowledge and skills to rectify them.

Australia's changeable climate makes regular tuning essential. A well tuned instrument is a joy to listen to and will inspire players and listeners alike. The role of most of our pipe organs is to accompany liturgy and worship, and to provide support for congregation singing. It is essential for an organ to be properly tuned so that it can fulfil this its role. Once again your organbuilder will have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure that your organ is properly tuned.


Historic restoration...

Australia is blessed with a rich and varied cross section of historic instruments. The majority of these dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Australian organbuilders have established a widely recognised and respected reputation for the conservation and sensitive restoration of such instruments. Many specialised and traditional techniques, unique to organbuilding, are still in constant use in organbuilding shops in Australia. These techniques are being utilised every day with specialist restoration work.

The Guild enjoys a healthy and mutually supportive relationship with Australia's organ historical body, The Organ Historical Trust of Australia.

Government funding for important restoration projects would not be available if it were not for the support of OHTA over many years.


New instruments...

The commissioning of a new instrument is a lengthy and involved process for all parties involved. Your organbuilder has the necessary skills to advise on the placement of a new organ, its specification and tonal recourses, and its visual and spatial implications.

All of the extensive knowledge held by Australian organbuilders is brought into play during the construction of new instruments. The skills involved vary greatly, from the detailed design process (often using CAD programmes), through the construction process of the components such as slide soundboards, mechanical and electrical parts, and the manufacturing of pipework. Finally the installation and tonal finishing of a new instrument brings all of these aspects together for a successful outcome.

Guild members offer all of these specialist skills and invite you to consult with them regarding your needs.