Commissioning a new instrument
Choose from an existing design or bring your own ideas to the table. Receive 3D CAD renders of your console with as much customisation as your budget allows. To start the process, simply drop us an email via the contact page.
Why Forest Organs?
A joiner by trade, I’m also an organist and enthusiastic advocate of Hauptwerk. I care about little things, like cable management, ease of transport and pristine wood finishes.
I don’t subcontract my cabinetry or MIDI electronics. Manufacturing as much as possible in-house, I’m fortunate to have access to high-end machinery. My mortise and tenon joints will outlive you and you won’t find sagging varnish on my end-grain.
Buying an organ is a significant investment, costing as much as a second-hand car. Yes, you could bodge one together yourself, as I did for years. If hours of research, soldering and eBaying suit your lifestyle, go for it. But will it be beautiful and satisfying to play?
If, like me, you’ve dreamt of owning a wonderful instrument by Renatus but can’t justify the expense, might I suggest asking Forest Organs to build you one instead? You won’t have to sell a kidney and you’re welcome to try out my instruments in person before making a decision.
As a relatively young business, prices are especially keen to help break into market. I’m not VAT-registered as my turnover doesn’t yet meet the threshold. So if you’re in the UK you’ll save 20% on labour costs versus my competitors. It suits my family commitments to work from home, where business rates don’t apply.
Used or new parts? That depends. Certainly I’d rather breathe new life into old gear than add to landfill. Perhaps you have an existing instrument that you’d like upgrading for use with Hauptwerk? Well-built pedalboards deserve a second life and can usually be restored to ‘as-new’ condition.
Serious buyers are welcome into my home for a test drive and a cuppa.
Pricing
It costs around £2000 in kiln-dried Oak to build an open-framed console with bench. (Veneered chipboard is not an option!) A set of new value Fatar keyboards with import tax costs around £1100 for the base model or slightly more for the slick feel of TP60s. Clients generally take advantage of my stock of beautifully reconditioned pedalboards. I can make new pedalboards, but they use a great deal of additional wood. Toe pistons are £70 each, touchscreens are £440 per pair. Van hire, energy costs, components and consumables add around another £1500, but the bulk of the cost is labour. I do not add a markup to the computer or audio equipment.
You'll find I beat all competition for value, service and attention to detail. And if you've never tried Hauptwerk, you're in for a treat. It outperforms all electronic organs for sound quality and flexibility. Come try it out for yourself. No sales pitch. It will speak for itself.
Lead Times
Competetive pricing and word-of-mouth recommendations have contributed to a healthy order book. As of January 2026 my waiting list is around 14-16 months. Secure your place on the build list by emailing via the contact page. A deposit is not normally required until your build begins. It takes around 8 weeks to complete a bespoke hardwood console.