There are many factors to take into account when considering not only which digital organ to buy, but also which brand/make of organ to invest in.
In this post we hope to highlight some the pertinent elements to weigh up based on our years of experience in digital organs, the technology behind them and what feedback our customers give us on their decision making process. (Our customers come from a variety of organ playing environments including personal use at home; in a church, school or even concert hall.)
TIP 1: Arrange to play the organ yourself before buying it
As with almost any purchase there is probably nothing more important than testing out the instrument for yourself. This gives you a good feel for how comfortable you would be with any particular model of organ (they are many to choose from).
Any supplier should be more than happy for you to try their instruments out – arrange a visit to their premises. We do this for our prospective customers at our Bicester showroom, as well as around the country at our sub-dealers locations.
Any reputable supplier will be happy to put you in touch with past customers, church and private so you can get a first hand opinion of their product and service.
TIP 2: Look for reviews or recommendations from existing owners
What better insight to get than from existing digital organ players? Ask your supplier to introduce you to some existing customers – whether they are in local churches or private customers. Any reputable supplier will be happy to do this.
TIP 3: Compare the sound of different models
The perception of tonal quality will always be a matter of personal judgement and it is very difficult to carry effective ‘memory’ of the sound heard yesterday with the one you listen to today. Sound is personal and taste can change.
Our strongest advice is to try to compare the quality of sound from the different models of organs together or with minimal gap if you can. Also – ask how difficult it would be for your supplier to provide you with a palette of sounds to listen to. Remember that you still can expect to experience this kind of flexibility on instruments under £10k – this is the beauty of digital organs!
TIP 4: Make sure that you are covered for servicing and repairs
Although today Instruments are extremely reliable and seldom need a service visit, it’s worth choosing a supplier that will be there when and if you need them. If you are looking to buy an organ for a church for example, your issues may become time critical – so be sure to check your supplier is resourced for this eventuality.
The 3 main suppliers have full time service engineers. Smaller suppliers may have to subcontract this to independent engineers.
TIP 5: Look at your organ as an investment
Whether you are looking at buying your organ for personal use at home, for a church, school, crematorium or concert hall it is worth looking at the overall purchase as an investment. You may be interested to know that the market trend of late has shown digital organs to hold their value on the pre-owned and used retail sales market as well as part-exchange against newer instruments.
If you need some guidance in deciding between different models of our range, please feel free to give me call to arrange a test play or just ask me a question. You can reach me on 01869 247 333, enquiries@viscountorgans.net or via Twitter on @ViscountOrgans.
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Viscount Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
