Dobson Pipe Organ Builders

Mar 2019

Dobson Pipe Organ Builders is one of the secrets in Iowa that warrants a visit. The meticulous production of unique pipe organs, according to specific order, is a revelation. John, the vice-president, spent time explaining everything, and even took us on a visit to the local church giving the group practical experience on one if the Dobson organs.

May 2008

Price range: $50 and up. By which I actually mean "six to eight figures". But if you ever needed a custom pipe organ for your home, church, or private yacht, I'm sure Lynn Dobson and friends could hook you up. In all seriousness, my parents' church just commissioned Dobson's 88th organ, and we happened to be in town, so we stopped in for a visit. One of their designers took over two hours out of his morning to show us around the workshop, from the voicing room to the woodshop to the pipe room to the drawing boards to the pipe shop. I was totally fascinated at every step of the way, from the technical details to his descriptions of the acoustical engineering involved to the utter craftsmanship that it takes to build these incredible instruments, the modern manifestation of an ancient art. I can hardly wait to hear the finished product.