Several folks over the years have asked me “How did you ever learn how to do this?” The best answer that I can give them is, “Carefully look at how the original work was done. The instrument worked just fine for the first century - why change it? Just use the best in materials that need to be replaced and it should last for the next century.”

However when I get one that has been “repaired?” with white glue, contact cement, sloppy work, or a poor choice of materials, it can easily triple the labor time to bring the instrument back. When I restore an untouched organ it takes much less time. The craftsmen of yesterday knew their trade. We can only better our skills by observing their workmanship.

Below are some articles that I have put together on a few restorations that are of interest.