Discovering the Artistry of Organ Building with Martin Pasi

[00:02:56] Organ building craftsmanship.

[00:03:58] Organ building and inspiration.

[00:10:37] Knowing music for organ building.

[00:14:22] Perfect facility for craft.

[00:20:53] The cost of organs.

[00:21:43] Organ building as mechanical design.

[00:27:11] Moon and farming practices.

[00:30:43] Two temperaments in organs.

[00:38:15] Organ pipes collapsing over time.

[00:40:21] Organ builders and bone materials.

[00:45:09] The gold leaf process.

[00:48:06] The weight of the organ.

[00:52:02] Community involvement in instrument care.

Organ building is a complex and intricate process that demands a significant investment of time and financial resources. In the episode, it is highlighted that churches and other organizations often face the challenge of securing funding and going through a lengthy organizational process before they can even begin constructing an organ. This can take years to accomplish as they work towards securing the necessary funds and finalizing arrangements.

The episode also sheds light on the cost of building an organ. It is mentioned that the average cost of an organ is around a million dollars, although this can vary depending on the size and complexity of the instrument. Larger organs can cost up to two million dollars or even more, while smaller organs may be priced at around five hundred thousand dollars.

The episode emphasizes the crucial role of careful planning and design in organ building. Before commencing the construction process, the organ builder must create a detailed design that ensures all components fit together harmoniously and allows each pipe to have sufficient space to produce sound. This meticulous process involves laying out thousands of pipes on templates and ensuring each one is of the correct size and position.

Organ building is a costly and time-consuming endeavor that necessitates extensive planning, funding, and organization. It is a process that requires both craftsmanship and artistry and scientific and mathematical skills.

The episode discusses the average cost of an organ, which is approximately a million dollars. The host inquires about the cost of organs, and the builder confirms that a million dollars is a typical average cost. However, the builder also mentions that the cost can vary, potentially reaching two million dollars or more for larger organs, or as low as five hundred thousand dollars for smaller organs. Therefore, while a million dollars is the average, the actual cost depends on the size and complexity of the organ.

Martin initially developed a passion for organ building at the age of 15. However, their parents discouraged them from pursuing it at that time, leading them to choose a business high school instead. Despite this, the desire to become an organ builder never left their mind.

After completing high school and entering adulthood, Martin felt a strong urge to engage in a craft and work with their hands. Organ building remained a lingering passion. Fortunately, they secured an apprenticeship position with a well-known and reputable organ-building company. Through this apprenticeship, they acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to install organs, tune them, and perform maintenance.

Eventually, Martin had the opportunity to travel to the United States multiple times a year for work. They received job offers from various organ builders, first in Minnesota and then in the Montreal area of Canada. Finally, they decided to move to the United States and work with another organ builder who intrigued them. This experience ultimately led the host to establish their own organ-building business.

Despite initially facing discouragement from their parents, Martin's passion for organ building never wavered. They pursued their passion, gained experience and knowledge through apprenticeships and job opportunities, and eventually established