What we do
Foley-Baker is a full-service organ company that provides pipe organ reconditioning, building and rebuilding, repair, and maintenance services for churches, performance halls, and residences across the United States.
Core Services
Reconditioning and Rebuilding
Although a well-constructed pipe organ can last for centuries, most require a complete overhaul every fifty years or so. Foley-Baker offers comprehensive pipe organ reconditioning and rebuilding for instruments big and small.
Every piece is removed and brought to our shops. Every board is cleaned and refinished, every piece of leather or rubber cloth is replaced, and every pipe made to sparkle like new.
Tuning and Maintenance
Organs require regular tuning and maintenance to keep them in shape. Even the best cone-tuned pipes will gradually drift out of tune. We regularly service over 200 clients in the continental US. Most tune twice a year, just prior to Easter and Christmas.
The basis for any good tuning is tempering, and we pride ourselves on this art. Once pitch is set, we temper and tune by ear, not just watching or listening to an electronic tuner.
We do not employ “key holders”. The tuner seated at the console is trained in setting temperaments and directing the tuning, and the tuner in the chamber is skilled in the careful tuning of the pipework. It is most definitely a team effort, and our teams work quickly and quietly to provide an exceptional result.
Tonal Work
Our tonal department provides pipe repair, voicing, tonal modifications, and tonal revisions, along with support for new tonal design.
Each project is guided by a detailed understanding of tonal structure to ensure clarity, balance, and musical cohesion.
Relocation and Installation
Foley-Baker provides pipe organ relocation, removal, and installation services with careful attention to handling, protection, and reassembly.
Our field team has relocated and installed hundreds of instruments, ensuring safe transport and reliable long-term performance.
Blower Repair and Replacement
Pipe organ air systems require regular maintenance to ensure proper wind pressure and motor performance. Foley-Baker provides blower repair, replacement, and system upgrades, including noise control and optimized wind line installation.
New Pipe Organs
We sometimes encounter organs that have been so heavily modified by various technicians (with varying levels of expertise) that starting from scratch is the best course of action. Foley-Baker can provide a brand-new instrument using the best extant pipework from the previous instrument. We work with the best suppliers in the industry to deliver a quality result.
Console Reconditioning and Relay Systems
Foley-Baker provides organ console reconditioning, refinishing, and relay system upgrades using modern electronic switching systems.
Capabilities include:
- Multi-level combination action
- Record and playback systems
- MIDI integration
- Transposing functions
All systems are hand-wired, organized, and labeled for long-term serviceability. Console refinishing is completed with careful attention to wood type, grain, and finish.
Custom practice consoles are also available.
Let’s Preserve Your Pipe Organ
Whether you are planning a reconditioning or addressing tuning and mechanical issues, Foley-Baker provides expert guidance from assessment through completion. We'd love to hear from you.