Classic Organs
For centuries, the organ has been
the central musical instrument for
use in Christian worship. Today, it
still is the preferred choice amongst
many congregations because quite simply,
there is something truly inspiring
about great organ music. Furthermore,
many churches are now combining the
classic sound of the organ with more
contemporary instruments for a truly
blended musical experience for their
congregations.
For over 40 years Rodgers, a member
of the Roland Group, has built the
finest quality church organs the
world over, always with leading-edge
technologies designed to give the
church musician effective tools
in musical expression. Today, digital
technology has reached the point
where it's second nature to use.
If your church is considering upgrading
or purchasing an organ, make sure
that it is one that provides maximum
functionality. For example, a fully-integrated
MIDI system will allow the church
organist to easily switch from leading
in a traditional hymn to supporting
a praise band.
The move to be "more contemporary"
does not mean you have to do away
with the organ. Yet the cost of
such an instrument can be a deterrent
if the music program is a minority
on the traditional. Today's church
organ can provide a far greater
return on investment than the instruments
of yesteryear.
Things to look for when purchasing
a new organ:
1. Consider the manufacturer. Do
they seem to be in touch with the
realities of today's multi-faceted
worship environment or are they
simply focused on reproducing a
traditional instrument and nothing
more? Has the company shown itself
reliable in supporting their products
both old and new? Today's digital
organs are technologically sophisticated
instruments imbedded with proprietary
software in silicon chips. That
means that some of the parts will
not be available from anywhere else
than from the manufacturer that
owns the software unique to your
organ. Therefore, you want to be
sure that company is going to be
around for the long haul. In other
words, long-term support is more
assured if purchasing from a larger
manufacturer vs a small "boutique"
builder of custom instruments with
only a handful of employees.
2. Ease of use. Advanced capabilities
and features might look great on
paper but the organ needs to be
easy to use with minimal button
pushes to access the features. Be
sure to ask the representative to
demonstrate the instrument's ease
of use.
3. Sound. Do you like what you
hear? If not, find out if the organ
is voiceable. You may have to visit
a couple of the company's installations
to get the confirmation you need
that the organ's sound can be tailored
to your church's needs.
Lastly, if you have any questions,
don’t hesitate to ask us!