I am thinking of buying a 'self-built' John Smith type 26 note Busker Organ. Being an organ novice I would like to know if it will be easy to find someone to repair/tune the organ should it be necessary in the future ??

Hi David.
Welcome to the Forum.
In answer to your question .- not many of us know much about the repair and tuning of organs when we first venture into owning one but very soon learn the basics through talking to the more experienced and asking questions. I am sure that we have many members some of whom are professoional organ builders who will assist if you need help anytime ,so my advice would be if you like the sound of the organ and it is reasonably priced have a go you will get a lot of enjoyment from it.
If you are still unsure why not try to get to the FOPS Rally at Widnes this weekend where you can listen to about 16 handturned organs and 30 Large organs you will have the opportunity to compare makes and chat with the owners.
Regards
George.

Hello David/Pastryman (you let that one slip didn't you George?!)

Welcome to the forum. Whereabouts are you?

There are a number of us professional organ types around the country who would be happy to service & tune any organ you chose to buy. So don't worry. As George says, just buy what you like the look & sound of. Any tweaking can be easily remedied.

Cheers,
Rob.
http://www.robbarkerorgans.co.uk

Many thanks - I will now proceed with confidence !!!

If you are going to buy a JS home built type organ just have a good look around all moving parts, i.e. quality of crank shaft, any pulleys, bellows/reservoir specially the leather.

Tuning is something that one can learn.

If you need any info on JS organs, I have all his plans to hand and if I can help please ask.

I will be at the FOPS Rally at Widnes this weekend so if any one would like a chat about organ’y things just pop along and ask, but remember I’m not a expert just a enthusiast.


Just look for this organ in this video.


or for the chap in the photo on the left of this post.

Good look.