Martin Pasi

Passion for organ building.

Martin Pasi an organ builder who shares his journey and love for this unique craft. Martin discovered his interest in organ building at a young age when he was a part of a boys choir. The music director recognized his fascination and allowed him to look inside an organ, which left a lasting impression on him. From that moment on, Martin knew that organ building was what he wanted to pursue.

At the age of 15, a pivotal time in Austria when individuals begin to think about their future, Martin made the decision to pursue organ building. However, his parents did not initially support his choice. They talked him out of it, and he ended up attending a business high school instead. Despite this detour, Martin still held onto his passion for organ building and knew that he needed to work with his hands and learn a craft.

Eventually, Martin was fortunate enough to secure an apprenticeship position with a renowned organ building company. This opportunity allowed him to learn the ins and outs of the craft and gain valuable experience. Through this apprenticeship, he was able to travel to the United States and work on installing organs, tuning them, and performing maintenance. This exposure led to job offers from various organ builders in different locations, including Minnesota and Canada.

Martin eventually settled in the United States and started his own organ building company. His passion for the craft and his dedication to every detail of the process have been evident throughout his career. While he did not formally study music or musicology, his upbringing in a musical family and his experience as a choir boy provided a strong foundation for his love of church music. Understanding the intricacies of music and being familiar with the works of composers like Johann Sebastian Bach has proven to be extremely helpful in his organ building career.

Martin's 30+ years of experience in the field have allowed him to develop an exceptional ear for the nuances of organ building. He can discern if things are tuned appropriately, if adjustments need to be made, or if pipes need to be cut. His expertise and attention to detail are evident in his work.

Starting his own business was a natural progression for Martin. After gaining experience working for other organ builders, he felt it was time to venture out on his own. He wanted to have the freedom to pursue his own projects and put his own stamp on the craft. Thus, he founded his own organ building company, which has now been in operation for over 30 years.

Martin's story exemplifies the passion and dedication required to be a successful organ builder. His love for the craft, combined with his musical background and technical expertise, has allowed him to create beautiful and harmonious instruments. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring craftsmen and underscores the importance of following one's passion, even in the face of initial opposition.

Organ builder found perfect facility.

The podcast begins with Martin recounting his first encounter with the company he would eventually work for. He visited the area and was immediately drawn to the interaction between the organ builder and the teachers in the community. The stimulating discussions and close relationships convinced Martin that he wanted to pursue a career in organ building. Although he initially had the idea of starting his own business, it wasn't until three years later that everything fell into place.

Martin explains that he needed a contract, a building, and people to work with in order to start his own business. Fortunately, all of these elements came together at the same time, and Martin saw it as a sign that he should pursue his dream. While he admits to being scared of being on his own, he also recognizes that there was enough security to make the leap.

The podcast then shifts to discussing the facility that Martin chose for his business. He explains that the building in Roy, Washington was the main reason he decided to go there. Through a connection with the superintendent of a school district, Martin was able to secure a surplus school building that was perfect for his craft. The building allowed him to start small and grow into it, rather than starting from scratch with a large facility.

Martin recalls that the building initially consisted of a gymnasium and two classrooms. These rooms provided enough space for him to start his business, and he began by building a casting table. He already had some tools from his garage and had built a few organs while still working for others. One of the organs he built, which the podcast host had the opportunity to play, originated from the Alpine area of Northern Italy. These portable organs were known for their beautiful sound and were often used for church processions.

The podcast host then asks Martin to explain the process of organ building in a simplified manner. Martin explains that it typically starts with people reaching out to him about a potential organ project. He requests plans and photos of the building to determine the size of the instrument that could fit. He then visits the building to get a feel for it and has a meeting with the interested parties to present his ideas and sketches.

In conclusion, the podcast episode highlights Martin’s journey as an organ builder and his discovery of the perfect facility for his craft. It emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and the rewards that come from dedicating oneself to a craft. Martin’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their dreams and showcases the impact that finding the right environment can have on one's success.

Organ building is a complex and expensive process.

The process begins with Martin developing a concept for the organ, both tonally and visually. This involves creating detailed drawings and proposals for the potential clients to review. It is important for Martin to showcase his ideas and demonstrate what he can bring to the project. While price is not the primary consideration for clients, they are more interested in the unique ideas and concepts that Martin can offer.

Once a client chooses Martin as their organ builder, a legal contract is drawn up, accompanied by a sizable down payment. Organs are expensive, with an average cost ranging from one to two million dollars. Smaller organs can cost around five hundred thousand dollars. The down payment not only secures a spot for the client but also allows Martin to purchase materials, such as lumber, well in advance. This is necessary as certain materials, like seasoned lumber, require time to prepare.

The design phase is a crucial step in the process. Martin compares organ building to mechanical designing, as organs are intricate machines. Organ builders were historically considered scientists, craftsmen, artists, and mathematicians due to the complexity of their work. Each pipe, which can number in the thousands, needs to be carefully laid out and given enough space to produce sound. Mechanical linkages between the keys and valves, known as pallets, are also meticulously planned. The distance between the keyboard and the valves is limited to ensure optimal functionality.

Martin collaborates with Markus, a member of his team, to double-check and refine the designs. Markus brings his expertise and fine hand for hand drawing to complement Martin's computer drawings. With hundreds of thousands of parts involved in organ building, it is essential to have another set of eyes to ensure accuracy and precision.

The podcast episode demonstrates that organ building is not only a complex process but also an expensive one. The cost of materials, the expertise required, and the time invested contribute to the high price tag of organs. However, despite the financial challenges, Martin' passion for his craft shines through. His dedication to creating unique and exceptional organs is evident in his meticulous attention to detail and the personal connections he forms with his clients.

In conclusion, the podcast episode highlights the complexity and expense of organ building. Martin' journey as an organ builder showcases the dedication and passion required to excel in this field. The financial aspects of the craft, including the substantial dowal n payment and the high cost of materials, further emphasize the challenges faced by organ builders. Nonetheless, the rewards of pursuing one's passion and creating exceptional instruments make the process worthwhile. Martin' story serves as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their dreams and underscores the importance of finding the right environment for success in one's chosen craft.

Organ making process and techniques.

The podcast episode delves into the intricate process and techniques involved in organ making. The conversation revolves around Martin, an experienced organ builder, who shares his insights and experiences in this unique craft.

Martin begins by explaining that the organ making process starts with the creation of organ parts, which are then stored in a designated area in the shop. He mentions that the entire process of making an organ can take up to two years, with at least a year dedicated to the construction phase. Currently, Martin works with a team of three to four people, and the organ they are currently working on has taken almost two years to complete.

One interesting aspect of organ making highlighted in the podcast is the composition of pipe measurements. Martin mentions that he imagines a certain sound when putting the numbers down on paper. They use Excel sheets to create logarithmic progressions between the Cs, making the process relatively easy in that regard.

The conversation then shifts to the casting of the metal pipes. Initially, random casting is done to utilize any materials that come out of it. As the process progresses, they narrow down the casting to ensure the best quality. Martin explains that making all the pipes for an organ takes the same amount of time, and he is mostly responsible for making the pipes. With 2,500 pipes, each one different from the other, this is a labor-intensive task.

The podcast also touches upon the timing and esoteric aspects of organ making. Martin mentions that they follow a calendar, similar to a farmer's almanac, which dictates certain moon positions and star alignments for specific tasks. While they can't always wait for the perfect time, there seems to be some correlation between atmospheric conditions and the quality of the metal sheets produced during casting.

The conversation then delves into the size and weight of the organs Martin has worked on. The largest organ he made in Houston consisted of 5,500 pipes, with the largest pipe measuring 32 feet long and weighing 850 pounds. Martin explains that the largest metal pipes they make are 16 feet long and are also quite heavy. Due to their fragility, these large pipes are finished on-site, as transporting them becomes almost impossible.

Another unique aspect of organ making mentioned in the podcast is the use of historic temperaments. Martin explains that the temperament refers to where the notes are placed on the keyboard. They use historic temperaments, where the notes are slightly different from a modern temperament, as it brings out the best in the music compositions. The organ Martin made in Omaha, Nebraska, has two temperaments, which is extremely rare and adds to the complexity and labor involved in the process.

In conclusion, the podcast episode highlights the complexity and expense of organ building. Martin' journey as an organ builder showcases the dedication and passion required to excel in this field. The financial aspects of the craft, including the substantial down payment and the high cost of materials, further emphasize the challenges faced by organ builders. Nonetheless, the rewards of pursuing one's passion and creating exceptional instruments make the process worthwhile. Martin' story serves as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their dreams and underscores the importance of finding the right environment for success in one's chosen craft.

Organ building process and components.

Organ building is a complex and intricate process that requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. In a podcast episode featuring Martin, an organ builder, the various components and steps involved in organ building are discussed.

The podcast begins by highlighting the number of pipes in an organ, which is significantly higher than the number of keys on a piano. While a piano has 12 pipes in an octave, an organ can have up to 20 pipes. Additionally, only four pipes are common between the two different temperaments, while the rest are separate. This emphasizes the importance of tuning in organ building, as the sustained sound of an organ allows for every note to be heard clearly.

The podcast then moves on to discuss the woodworking aspect of organ building. The case, also known as the cabinet of the organ, is built to house all the components and plays a crucial role in focusing and blending the sound before it reaches the listener's ears. The case is typically made of white oak, which is a classic and durable wood that can withstand the test of time. Martin mentions that the case also serves to protect the pipes from external elements such as rain or debris.

One of the most important parts of an organ is the wind chest, which houses the valves that are activated by the keys. The wind chest is fed by bellows, which are large and oversized bellows similar to fireplace bellows. These bellows are connected to an electric blower that provides the necessary wind pressure. The wind travels through wooden wind channels into the wind chests, where the pipes stand on.

The podcast emphasizes the simplicity and complexity of the organ building process. While the technology and mechanics behind organ building are relatively simple and understandable, achieving the right action and sound requires precision and attention to detail. Organists rely on the sensitive and responsive action keys to play music effectively, and the sound produced by the organ is of utmost importance.

The pipes themselves are carefully racked to ensure stability and prevent collapse. Smaller pipes are racked on their foot portion, while larger pipes are racked higher up for static reasons. It is crucial for the pipes to stand straight to maintain their integrity over time. Historic organs that have stood for hundreds of years serve as a testament to the longevity of well-built organs.

The podcast concludes by mentioning the console, which is the control center of the organ. It is not explicitly discussed in detail, but it is implied that the console is installed after the pipes are in place.

Organ console detachable for convenience.

The podcast episode discusses the topic of organ console detachable for convenience. The conversation revolves around Martin, an organ builder, and his experiences in creating organs with detachable consoles.

Martin explains that while it is not common for organs to have detachable consoles, it is particularly useful in certain situations. For example, in churches where there is only one musician who needs to both play the organ and direct the choir, a detachable console allows for greater convenience and flexibility.

Despite the detachable nature of the console, Martin assures that the action, which refers to the mechanical parts that connect the keys to the pipes, is still just as responsive as an attached console. In this setup, the action parts go under the floor before they go up into the organ, instead of being built into the organ case.

The conversation then shifts to the materials used in organ building, specifically the console. Martin mentions that the console is made of wood, with the keys being covered with cow bone for the white keys and ebony for the black keys. He explains that they obtain the shin bone from a slaughterhouse, cut them apart, and cook them for a week to remove any smell and fat.

Interestingly, Martin mentions that they are considering acquiring camel bone as well. He explains that organ builders often seize good deals on materials when they come across them, as they know they will need them in the future. While camel bone may look promising in photos, Martin plans to request samples to evaluate its suitability for organ building.

The conversation further touches upon the use of other materials, such as bison bone and ebony. Martin mentions that they are careful not to use rare woods, opting instead for materials that are more readily available. He emphasizes the importance of respecting and making the most of the materials they use.

The podcast episode also briefly discusses the role of engraving in organ building. Martin mentions that his daughter is involved in the carving and engraving process. They create rough sketches to give an idea of the design and then make the blanks to cover the tops of the pipes. The design can range from classic or traditional motifs to ones inspired by the area where the organ is placed or biblical themes. The materials used for the carvings depend on whether they will be covered or not, with butternut and basswood being common choices.

Organ building process and delivery.

Martin discusses the freedom he and his team have in their work. People trust them to do what they do well, giving them the freedom to design and build organs according to their expertise. However, Martin mentions that they still consult and show their designs to ensure they meet the clients' expectations.

Martin goes on to describe the process of tracing the design from paper to wood using carbon paper. He explains that they use old-fashioned copy paper as a tracing in between the design and the wood, allowing them to follow the lines on the paper. This method ensures accuracy and precision in the design. Once the design is traced onto the wood, they drill holes to cut out the empty spaces using a jigsaw. The rest of the work is done by hand using gouges.

The host expresses interest in the gold leaf encasing process, and Martin explains that it is a traditional gold gilding process. The wood is painted in a bright red color, and a sizing, which acts as a glue, is applied. Martin mentions the importance of coordination in this process, as the sizing needs to be applied at the right time for the gold leaf to stick. He also notes that breathing can cause the gold leaf to fly away, so they have to hold their breath while applying it.

The conversation then shifts to the delivery of the organ. Martin explains that they design the organ case to be as large as possible, considering the limitations of truck sizes and door sizes. He mentions a past incident where they had to cut apart a piece to fit it through a door. Martin states that the organ they are currently working on weighs about 10 tons, or 20,000 pounds.

The host asks about the name of the organ, and Martin replies that it is called St. George's Arlington, and it is their 28th opus. He explains that they call their organs opuses because only an original work can be an opus. Martin mentions that they have made 29 organs, but two of them were the same, so they were given opus numbers A and B.

Martin describes the process of transporting the organ, which involves loading it onto a truck. He mentions the challenges of packing the organ carefully to protect its fragile parts. Martin states that they hire the truck and driver but load the organ themselves. Once the organ is loaded, they fly to the destination and unload it, often with the help of the congregation or parish members. Martin notes the interest and anticipation from the church community, as many people have contributed financially to the organ's construction.

Involving community in organ maintenance.

Martin begins by describing the busy nature of his career, stating that there was never an idle moment. He expresses surprise at the amount of work involved in his profession, highlighting the constant preparation and teaching required to ensure the final product is of the highest quality. This acknowledgment sets the stage for the discussion on involving the community in organ maintenance.

Martin explains that when unloading an organ, there are usually around 50 people present to assist. This involvement from the community is crucial due to the heavy lifting and the numerous pieces that need to be transported. He mentions that the organ has parts suitable for everyone, from kids to the elderly, emphasizing the inclusivity of the process. This involvement serves a dual purpose: to engage the community and to foster a sense of ownership and stewardship.

The involvement of the community is vital in ensuring the longevity and proper care of the organs. Martin notes that when individuals have a hand in the instrument's creation or maintenance, they develop a stronger relationship with it. This connection leads to a greater sense of responsibility and care. By involving the community, organ builders like Martin can ensure that their creations are in good hands and will be well-preserved for future generations.

Martin also mentions the financial aspect of organ maintenance, highlighting that the instruments are expensive and require significant investment. This further emphasizes the need for community involvement in caring for these valuable assets. He expresses his desire to find people who will take good care of his organs, indicating the importance of responsible stewardship.

To facilitate the maintenance process, Martin often seeks the assistance of local organ builders or maintenance professionals. These individuals have the necessary expertise to handle specific instruments and can guide the community in their care. However, Martin also acknowledges that a skilled organist can tune certain pipes, further demonstrating the potential for community members to contribute to the maintenance process.

In conclusion, the podcast episode highlights the significance of involving the community in organ maintenance. By engaging the community in the unloading, maintenance, and care of these complex instruments, organ builders like Martin can ensure their longevity and proper preservation. The community's involvement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to a stronger connection between the individuals and the organs. This collaboration between organ builders, community members, and local professionals ensures that these valuable instruments are well-maintained and cherished for years to come. Martin' story serves as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their passion and underscores the importance of community involvement in preserving cultural heritage