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A reed organ (often referred to as a pump organ) is a unique instrument that used to be found in many homes, churches, schools and many other places where people gathered whenever music was required.  Over the past 100 years, the majority of these organs have not been maintained properly and have become less appreciated - except by those who know the music and vast array of tones they can create.  I happen to be one of those who enjoy the hobby of restoring these old instruments back to their former glory, and playing them.

Choose the links in the Restorations section to see what I call the "Picture Diaries" of the organs I have restored.  If restoring is something you might want to try, perhaps there will be pictures to help you through your restoration as many organs have a lot in common.  

For most updated  news and videos, see the social media links below. 

Current Restorations

Life Sometimes Changes Our Priorities

Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, and the things we once considered important suddenly take a back seat to something far more meaningful.

At the beginning of 2025, my dear wife Lori, my soulmate and best friend, was becoming progressively weaker. Eventually, she reached the point where she could no longer walk on her own. After numerous medical tests, she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

ALS is a devastating motor neuron disease that progressively robs a person of their ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. There is no cure.

As her condition progressed, I became Lori's primary caregiver. We made many changes to our home to accommodate her increasing needs, allowing her to remain in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. Eventually, her condition required hospitalization and respiratory support.

Through it all, Lori remained the same loving, caring person I had always known. On November 16, 2025, I lost not only my wife, but my best friend, my soulmate, and the person who had shared so much of my life.

Much of this past year has been spent adjusting to life without her and gradually restoring our home after the many alterations and renovations we made to accommodate her illness.

I am now beginning to turn my attention back to my workshop and garage, starting with some long-overdue cabinetry and organization. My hope is to eventually return to one of my great passions — restoring antique reed organs and bringing these wonderful instruments back to life.

I suspect it will be a slow journey.

Lori was always my biggest cheerleader and supporter. She encouraged my projects, celebrated my accomplishments, and shared in the excitement of seeing another old instrument brought back to life. Returning to the workshop without her encouragement and enthusiasm will not be easy.

But I know she would want me to continue doing the things I love.

And perhaps, in some small way, each instrument I restore will also be a tribute to her.

 

Restoring Reed Organs

Restoring reed organs is a great and rewarding hobby.  If you have an understanding of simple machinery with valves and levers, then you can probably restore a reed organ.  Some instruments are easy, some can be incredibly difficult or impossibly without a little experience.  There are many 'pitfalls' and common errors that a first time restorer will encounter - this is why I suggest to read the document in the restoration link on the Reed Organ Society website first, then dig in! 

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The Reed Organ Society

I am a member of the Reed Organ Society, an International Organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of reed organs.  If you are a reed organ enthusiast, I suggest you join, the ROS Quarterly alone is worth the minimal yearly dues.

The sounds of reed organs