FAQ Reed organ

When were these instruments built? How many were built?

Reed organs were generally constructed between the early 1800's through the 1920's with the greatest number manufactured in the 1890's. Well over 1,000,000 were made. In fact one manufacture made over 400,000!

I own a reed organ that has been in my family for many years, and it does not play, and I would like to make it work again. Is it worth it?

That question can only be answered by the owner. In a strict financial sense, it generally will cost more to repair these instruments that they can be sold for in the open market. Most people have them restored for their sentimental value.
Occasionally they are also restored to perform period music that was specifically written for the reed organ.

Generally what is the biggest problem with them?

We find that the biggest problem with them, and the general reason that they do not play is because the bellows are worn out, and need to be recovered. This is generally an expensive process which costs more than the market value of the instrument.

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