C. B. Fisk tour

Last week, Rick Isaacs was kind enough to give me a behind-the-scenes tour of the C. B. Fisk workshop where he works.  They are internationally renowned pipe organ builders, and their facility in West Gloucester shows why.  I was really impressed by the way they make much of the organ practically from scratch – they combine a wide variety of skills and disciplines to go from lumber and ingots all the way to a complete organ.  Their workspace is filled with neat tools and personal touches.  Here are a few of the photos I took. The complete set is available here.

Greg Bover (well known on this blog) working on the design of an organ:

When contracts are signed, designs turn into models (many of which are on the top shelf in this office):

The models are amazing in their own right:

Production builds from basics:

The materials go through the hands of a series of skilled workmen, like this one:

My friend and tour guide, Rick Isaacs:

A finished organ, ready for installation:

For more photos of some of the artisans and their amazing models, tools, and handiwork,  follow this link.

– Fr. Matthew Green