St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church

Tarpon Springs, Florida

"I have always been somewhat of a “purest” when it comes to organs. I learned to play on a tracker instrument and have had the good fortune to play on several historical pipe organs in churches I have served. I do acknowledge that there is a place for digital instruments but prefer the experience of real pipes. That being said, my last church position was in a building that was not built for a pipe organ and had many architectural factors that would not allow for a full pipe instrument. After being turned down by a couple of pipe organ builders, we enlisted the services of Dan Bashor and Church Organ Works, Inc.

Dan was willing to listen to our desires and our limitations and find a solution. The resulting instrument at St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church in Tarpon Springs, Florida is a unique blend of traditional wind-blown pipes and Viscount Physis technology. Although other companies could have installed a similar instrument, the organ at St. Ignatius stands out because it has all the richness and individual character of a real pipe organ. I believe this was only possible because Dan Bashor is a rare blend of two essential components needed to create such an instrument. He is an accomplished organist with a discriminating ear and he worked for many years in the professional sound amplification industry. You get the best of two diverse worlds.

Dan used his knowledge of traditional organ building to assess the qualities inherent in a recovered pipe organ to oversee its refurbishment and to dictate the qualities of the accompanying digital ranks. This resulted in a cohesive sound that is not found in many hybrid organs. Also, Dan uses his knowledge of the most up-to-date computer and acoustic materials to enhance the quality of the speakers he installs to obtain the optimum sound experience possible with current technology. Where many digital organs fail because of poor amplification devices, Dan’s instruments excel.

It should also be noted that great detail was put into the visual aspects of the organ. The organ at St. Ignatius not only enhances the theological and architectural aspects of the building’s environment, but the quality of the woodwork on the cases and console is exceptional. Incredible care was taken to match colors, enhance pipework, and “hide” speakers. The addition of the organ to this church changed every aspect of worship.

Last, but not least, Church Organ Works, Inc. took into account our financial resources. They respected what we were able to afford, gave us different options to choose from and worked with our budget. I would highly recommend Dan and this company for any organ project large or small.

Brandon Vennink

Organist and Music Director