Wind System

A pipe organ is made up of several systems that work together. A basic understanding of these systems is useful to every organist. They include the wind system, the stop action, the combination action, and the key action.

The main components of the WIND SYSTEM include a blower, wind lines, reservoirs, and chests. These make a steady supply of pressurized air available for any pipe at any time.

Before the introduction of electricity in pipe organs, air was supplied by large bellows (see photo) operated by human hands and feet. In modern organs--and even in surviving historical instruments--a motorized BLOWER is nearly always used to supply the wind (see next screen). This technological advancement is too convenient for most organ builders and restoration experts to resist.