An organ is one of the longest-lasting purchases a church makes. Chosen well, it will lead worship for decades. This guide walks through the decisions most organ committees face, in the order they usually come up.
Start with how you worship
Think about the music first. A church that sings traditional hymns with a full choir needs a different instrument than one that uses the organ mainly for preludes and accompaniment. Talk with your organist, music director and pastor about what the organ must do every Sunday, and what you would like it to do for weddings, funerals, concerts and special services.
Digital, pipe or a combination
- Digital organs recreate the sound of a pipe organ with modern technology. They fit almost any space, need far less upkeep and can be installed in weeks rather than years.
- Pipe organs are built by hand for a specific room and can serve a church for generations, with a longer timeline and more ongoing care.
- Pipe combination organs pair real pipes with digital voices, giving a church the presence of pipes and the flexibility of a larger instrument.
Size the organ to the room, not the catalog
The number of manuals and stops matters less than how the organ sounds in your sanctuary. Room size, ceiling height, carpet and seating all affect the result. A good dealer will visit, listen to the room and recommend speaker placement before suggesting a model.
New or pre-owned
A new organ gives you the latest technology and a full factory warranty. A pre-owned organ, properly reconditioned, can be an excellent choice for smaller congregations, chapels and growing churches. Either way, ask who will install it and who will service it afterward.
Hear it before you decide
Play and listen to the organs you are considering, ideally in a church similar to yours. Visit a showroom, ask for recordings, and talk with organists who play the instrument every week.
Ask about service for the long term
An organ is only as good as the care behind it. Before you buy, ask:
- Who installs and voices the organ in our room?
- Who services it, and how far away are they?
- Are parts and support available for older models?
- How long has the dealer been in business?
How we help
Church Organ Associates has been the Allen Organ dealer for Texas and Oklahoma since 1986. We visit your sanctuary, help your committee compare options, install and voice the organ in your room, and care for it in the years that follow.