Bond Organ Builders, Inc.
Member, Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America
Member, International Society of Organbuilders
Opus 19: Willamette University
Image by Strode-Eckert Photography
History
Bond Organ Builders was established in 1976 by Richard and Roberta Bond. From its beginnings as a small service firm, the company quickly expanded to build new instruments.
Richard Bond's dream was to create a team of artisans and craftsmen whose skills compliment one another to build instruments of the highest quality. Each team member has a particular area of expertise: visual design, engineering, woodworking, tonal design & voicing, and tuning & maintenance.
Richard Bond, Founder
Richard Bond began working on pipe organs in the early 1970s. He eventually left his job with Schlicker Organs in Buffalo, NY for Southern California, in time earning a B.S. in Engineering Science at the University of Redlands, CA. He continued his passion for organ building, finding work with Manuel Rosales in Los Angeles. It was there that he and Roberta met and married, eventually moving to Portland, Oregon in 1976 to start their own firm. Beginning as a small service operation, Bond Organ Builders, Inc. was gradually augmented by other skilled craftsmen and organ builders. In addition to serving as President of the company and managing customer relations, Richard was principally focused with scaling and voicing pipes, as well as on-the-job tonal finishing. As a baritone in the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Choir of Portland, he would occasionally substitute as the organist as well.
Richard passed away on February 17, 2020. The business has continued in his arduous spirit.
Roberta Bond, Co-Founder
Roberta Bond was the President, CFO, and owner following Richard’s passing, and had previously worked as the accountant, co-manager and architectural designer for Bond Organ Builders. She also worked with Richard on tonal finishing during his tenure as president. She held a B.A. in Music History and an M.M. in Church Music from the University of Southern California. After many years of work as Director of Music in Lutheran and Episcopal churches, she joined and sang soprano with the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Choir.
Roberta tragically passed on May 20, 2024, after suffering a catastrophic fall at home in January. Her continued passion in keeping the business active and alive will be missed by all who worked with her.
New Instruments
Our new free-standing mechanical action instruments have achieved great success and our expertise in all types of pipe organ action and tonal style has allowed us to customize each new instrument to meet the needs and expectations of the individual client. Satisfying to the eyes and ears, our instruments are built to last for generations.
Restoration
Our company has restored and rebuilt many historically important pipe organs over the years. Great skill and study are employed to preserve the original style and sound of these instruments. A well-built organ, restored to its original condition will serve many more years as a testament to good stewardship of both time and money.
Service Department
Bond Organ Builders is particularly known for its Service Department, serving the largest customer base in the Pacific Northwest. Our service territory covers five states: Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Our efficient service with attention to detail has led clients to call upon us for dependable and cost-effective pipe organ tuning, maintenance, and repair for years.