New Organs, Restorations & Quality Maintenance

Stephen Cooke Organs

Who’s Who

Stephen COOKE

Founder and owner of the firm, Stephen trained with the firm of Hill, Norman and Beard in the early 1970’s and then worked in electrical and computer engineering into the early 1980’s, setting up his first organ workshop in 1983.  Since then he has built up an enviable reputation as a first class pipe voicer and craftsman of skill and integrity with a wide client base.  He is also Director of Music at All Saints’ Church, Westbury where he is engaged in the ongoing rebuilding of the 3 manual, French-voiced Bevington organ, which has been moved one bay west to great musical effect and much of its original tonal character reinstated.  A new mechanical action and coupler chassis has been made in-house, including the pedal organ, which now has a new soundboard (and several new ranks made) after being electrified in the 1970’s.  This project is typical of Stephen’s work in terms of quality, attention to detail, accuracy of new parts, quality of finish and the consideration of the musical requirements of the church being foremost in decision making.

David CORAM

David was once a customer of the firm when organist at All Saints’ West Lavington, where Stephen reversed some earlier changes made to the organ and improved both the wind supply and pedal organ.  The overnight change in this organ - from a heavy, unplayable monster to a light and agile musical instrument - awoke his interest in organ building.  He is presently Sub Organist at Romsey Abbey, head of keyboard studies at Bournemouth University 2.5 days a week and accompanist to numerous choral societies in the area.  His part-time role is a varied one which includes tuning/maintenance, general assistance on site and workshop operations and research connected with historic tuning & historic instruments, surveys and reports, legislation compliance and sales & marketing.