The questions I am asked most often

Do you look after pipe organ maintenance?

Yes, including the most complex jobs and instruments that have not been played for decades. I carry out routine and extraordinary maintenance, dealing with problems caused by wear, neglect or inappropriate work carried out over the years. The more an instrument has suffered, even through simple neglect or through well-meant attempts to fix it, the more I can make a difference. Every organ has a history, a construction identity of its own and characteristics that deserve to be understood and respected. That respect is where every one of my interventions begins.

A pipe organ has air supply problems or pipes that do not sound. Can you help?

Yes. Faults can affect the wind system, the wind chests, the action or the pipes themselves. To find the cause, the general condition of the instrument and the working of its various parts must be checked. I travel anywhere in Italy for an on-site visit, even when the organ has not been used for many years or is in particularly difficult condition.

Our pipe organ has been out of tune for many years. Can it sound as it used to?

Even an instrument that has not been used for decades can keep an extraordinary sonic heritage. Before tuning, I check the condition of the pipes, the wind pressure and stability, and the working of the wind chests and the action, because an accurate tuning needs an instrument that works properly.

My aim is to recover the musical qualities that time, neglect or inappropriate interventions may have compromised, without erasing the characteristics that make each organ unique.

Why is it important to respect the original temperament of a historic organ?

Because temperament determines the relationships between the notes and contributes decisively to the musical character of the instrument. Tuning an old organ to modern criteria, without considering its history, can profoundly change the sound.

Through the study of its construction, its original pipes, any traces of earlier tunings and the historical documentation, I try to identify the system most consistent with the period and the organ-building school. An old organ deserves to be heard, as far as possible, according to the intentions of its builder.

Why invest in the maintenance and tuning of our church's organ?

Because a pipe organ is part of the heritage of the community that looks after it. It accompanies the liturgy, gives solemnity to celebrations and preserves a musical tradition that often spans generations.

A well-maintained and correctly tuned instrument can express musical qualities worthy of the best concert halls. It can accompany the singing of the congregation, enhance the great liturgical feasts and become the star of concerts that draw musicians and enthusiasts even from far away.

Looking after it means safeguarding a precious asset and letting the community continue to enjoy it. And the musical value of an organ is often rediscovered precisely when it sounds as it deserves.

Do you repair analogue and digital synthesisers, including vintage ones?

Yes, and I often take on instruments that other repairers prefer not to touch. Sometimes I am the last chance before a synthesiser is abandoned for good. I know how much trust it takes to hand over an instrument in this condition, and I am glad to be trusted. That is why I do everything I can to give back its voice and, when possible, restore it to its former glory.

My synthesiser has one or more keys that don't sound. Can it be repaired?

In most cases, yes. The problem may come from oxidation or wear of the conductive rubber contacts, from the graphite tracks on the circuit board, or from a break in the keyboard's scanning matrix. If the fault affects several notes, I also check the address lines, the multiplexers and the scanning chips. On polyphonic synths, a fault that recurs cyclically can point to a single voice board, an oscillator or the related control circuit.

Sounds like Greek to you? Get in touch for a first assessment: I just need to know the make, the model and which notes have decided to go on strike.

My synthesiser keeps going out of tune. Why?

Some instability of pitch is normal in many analogue synthesisers, especially during warm-up. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to check the calibration, the power supply and the stability of the circuits.

My synthesiser switches on but produces no sound. Can you fix it?

Yes, I can carry out a diagnosis to find the origin of the fault. Before working on the circuits, I check the audio signal path and the other possible causes, taking into account the specific characteristics of the model.

Do you repair potentiometers, sliders and controls that make noise or malfunction?

Yes. Depending on the component and its condition, the work may involve cleaning, maintenance or replacement with a compatible part.

Do you tune and maintain pianos?

Yes, I carry out tuning, regulation and maintenance, assessing the condition of the instrument and its action.

How often should a piano be tuned?

Generally at least once a year, even if it is not played often. Changes in temperature and humidity affect the tension of the strings and the balance of the instrument. If you play a lot, it may be worth tuning it more often.

My piano hasn't been tuned for decades. Is it too late?

Not necessarily. A piano that has been still for many years may need several interventions to recover a stable pitch, especially if the overall tension of the strings has dropped noticeably. Before going ahead I check the structural and mechanical condition, because every instrument has a different history and deserves a specific assessment.

Can you work on a piano with sticking or uneven keys?

Yes. The causes may lie in the action, the felts or other components. A direct examination establishes which adjustments or repairs are needed.

Do you also work on ancient musical instruments?

Yes, I also work on historic and traditional instruments, including hurdy-gurdies, nyckelharpas and psalteries. Every job is assessed with consideration for the construction and characteristics of the instrument.

Do you build medieval portative organs?

Yes, I make portative organs to commission, starting from the study of historical sources and building techniques. Dimensions, features and finishes are defined according to the project.

How much does it cost to repair an instrument?

The cost depends on the type of fault, the work required and whether parts are available. I've just told you obvious things, haven't I? So here is something that may surprise you: my repairs cost less than you think. And you don't have to take my word for it: you can check the reviews from my customers on Google!

Can I send an instrument to your workshop?

You want to give it to me as a gift? I approve! Haha, but if you want it repaired, I'm happy all the same. Please do get in touch before shipping, so there are no surprises: tell me the make, the model, the problem you've noticed and where it is coming from. We can then check whether delivery can be arranged safely.

How do I request a job?

You can contact me through the form on the website or on WhatsApp, indicating the instrument and the problem you've noticed. If possible, attach a few photographs or a short video showing the fault. I'll get back to you promptly!

Where is the workshop?

The workshop is at Via Viola 4, in Lugo (RA). I suggest you contact me before dropping by, so we can arrange an appointment.