Driven by a lifelong fascination with pipe organs, Martin Wandel embarked on a multi-decade project to build one in his home. Starting with simple PVC pipes and evolving to meticulously crafted wooden ones, he documented his journey of learning woodworking, electronics, and organ-building principles. The project involved designing and constructing the windchest, pipes, keyboard, and the complex electronic control system needed to operate the organ. Over time, Wandel refined his techniques, improving the organ's sound and expanding its capabilities. The result is a testament to his dedication and ingenuity, a fully functional pipe organ built from scratch in his own basement.
Martin Wandel, driven by a lifelong fascination with pipe organs stemming from childhood experiences with a neighbor's instrument and amplified by encounters with majestic cathedral organs, embarked on an ambitious multi-decade project to construct his own pipe organ within the confines of his home. This undertaking, a testament to his dedication and ingenuity, commenced in the late 1970s and continued to evolve through the subsequent decades, documented meticulously on his personal webpage.
Initially, the organ was conceived as a modest four-rank instrument, utilizing readily available materials such as PVC pipe for the construction of the pipes. However, the project organically expanded in scope and complexity over time, fueled by Mr. Wandel's growing understanding of organ design and his acquisition of more sophisticated tools and materials. This evolution involved not only an increase in the number of ranks and pipes, but also the incorporation of more traditional organ-building techniques, including the utilization of wood and metal for pipe construction.
The website chronicles this journey in detail, providing a comprehensive overview of the various stages of the organ's development. Mr. Wandel meticulously documents the construction process, offering insights into the challenges he encountered and the solutions he devised. He elaborates on the painstaking process of voicing the pipes, a critical aspect of organ building that determines the timbre and character of each individual pipe. Furthermore, he describes the design and implementation of the windchests, the intricate mechanisms that control the flow of air to the pipes, and the complex wiring and electronics required to interface with the keyboard and other control mechanisms.
Beyond the technical aspects of the build, the website also reveals the evolution of Mr. Wandel's workshop and the acquisition of specialized tools, including a lathe and a milling machine, which facilitated the creation of increasingly complex components. The narrative is interspersed with personal anecdotes and reflections, offering a glimpse into the dedication and passion that fueled this remarkable undertaking. The ongoing nature of the project is evident throughout the website, with Mr. Wandel continually refining and expanding the organ, demonstrating a commitment to craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for the art of organ building. The result is not just a musical instrument, but a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of a lifelong dream.
Summary of Comments ( 39 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42831969
Commenters on Hacker News largely expressed admiration for the author's dedication and the impressive feat of building a pipe organ at home. Several appreciated the detailed documentation and the clear passion behind the project. Some discussed the complexities of organ building, touching on topics like voicing pipes and the intricacies of the mechanical action. A few shared personal experiences with organs or other complex DIY projects. One commenter highlighted the author's use of readily available materials, making the project seem more approachable. Another noted the satisfaction derived from such long-term, challenging endeavors. The overall sentiment was one of respect and appreciation for the author's craftsmanship and perseverance.
The Hacker News post titled "The story of my home made pipe organ" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42831969) links to a personal website detailing an individual's journey in building a pipe organ in their home. The comments section contains a lively discussion with several interesting points.
One commenter highlights the dedication and time investment involved in such a project, expressing admiration for the author's persistence over two decades. They also appreciate the detailed documentation, providing insight into the challenges and solutions encountered throughout the build.
Another commenter focuses on the organ's aesthetic qualities, describing it as a beautiful instrument. They mention the unique visual appeal of the exposed pipes and woodwork, contrasting it with the more enclosed design of traditional church organs. This comment also touches upon the emotional impact of the organ's sound, evoking a sense of awe and grandeur.
A technically-inclined commenter delves into the complexities of organ building, pointing out the intricate mechanisms involved in producing different sounds. They discuss the various types of pipes used, such as flue pipes and reed pipes, and how they contribute to the overall tonal palette. This comment also mentions the challenges of tuning and maintaining such a complex instrument.
Further discussion revolves around the choice of materials used in the organ's construction. One commenter inquires about the type of wood used for the pipes, prompting the original poster (OP) to respond with a detailed explanation of the selection process. The OP clarifies the reasons for choosing specific woods based on their acoustic properties and durability.
Several comments express a general appreciation for the project, acknowledging the skill and craftsmanship required to build a musical instrument of this magnitude. Some commenters also share their personal experiences with organs and organ music, adding a personal touch to the discussion. Finally, a few commenters express curiosity about the organ's sound, suggesting that the OP share audio or video recordings.