You can download a full copy of recent testimonials here.
From Huddersfield, Mr Arthur: It was three weeks yesterday that I first heard a Makin organ at Leeds Parish Church. The following Tuesday (six days later) I visited Shaw and the following day agreed to buy an organ in the showroom. Nothing further could be done, other than a site visit, for ten days as the organ was booked to be used at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral for the ‘Organists Entertain’ event. It was installed today three weeks and one day later.
The questions on the survey only touch on the quality of the Makin Organs administration which can only be described as exceptionally good. Nicky has provided a service of which excellent is a significant understatement.
From Chippenham, Mr Oldnall: I am writing to thank you for the ‘Sounds of the Summer’ concert last Saturday and to say how very much we enjoyed the occasion. As one would expect. The skilful organ playing of professor Ian Tracey was, as ever, superb. His choice of music, to suit all tastes, was much appreciated and introduced some of us to items previously unknown to us – I have already acquired a copy of Williams Felton’s ‘A little tune’ and have tried (without success so far) to get hold of a copy of Paul Manz’s ‘Aria’ – both of them useful for weddings.
Of course, the occasion was not just to show off the playing of a superb organist but to showcase Makin Organs. This was achieved with many plusses! I am certain that those of us who are Makin owners were most impressed with the combinations and tone colours demonstrated. Those who are not owners must be seriously considering it.
Finally, but by no means least, what a grand lunch you laid on. It was beyond our expectations and delicious.
One again, thank you for inviting us, and our thanks to all your staff for the splendid effort they made. We hope that we might have the privilege of attending a similar function in the future.
From York, Dr Fletcher: It is now four months since the three manual custom organ was installed at home. It has naturally taken some time not only to adjust the voicing to hear the true nature of the organ, but also for me to adapt to playing a three manual drawstop instrument after several years with an excellent Makin two manual Westmorland 34 model and more years than I care to remember playing a variety of small two manual pipe organs in churches.
The compact style of console is ideal for my home, as it is only about 7cm longer and 7cm higher than the two manual tab organ, yet it contains so much within it. Two features of this console are providing to be especially valuable; the touch provided by the wood-based keys replicates the feel of a good tracker action and certainly aids playing and practice, while the thoughtful slight inclination of the top manual assists the comfort of the player.
It was a fascinating experience to be able to spend some time in Shaw selecting the stop samples of the new instrument. It is difficult to select specific favourites, but the two pedal reeds are particularly outstanding. In an instrument of 41 speaking stops, it has been possible to design a very versatile specification, which will meet most demands of the repertoire that I can, or aspire, to play.
I am most grateful to you and your colleagues for the ever prompt help and advice given during the design and installation of the organ. I initially chose a Makin organ several years ago because of the personal attention given to the client and the quality of the instruments. It was therefore a natural choice to return to Makins when the opportunity arose to consider purchasing a larger instrument.
From Rev McMahon, St John the Baptist, Port Glasgow: The addition to the official feedback form, I wanted to add a personal word of thanks.
The gentlemen who came to install the organ were really superb – most courteous, knowledgeable, competent and helpful. They were sensitive to the surroundings, to my lack of experience, and to the building – in short consummate professionals! It’s a rare pleasure to get such a combination – I appreciate it very much.
From my first contact with Makin everyone has been a model of efficiency and ability and I am delighted with the purchase made for the Parish. Thanks also to Nicky for her diligence. Additional the parishioners who have experienced the tone and quality of the sounds produced over the Easter Triduum are delighted.
Thanks again for all the hard work behind the scenes that constitutes such good customer service, I won’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone who asks.
From Sloothby, Mr Moreton: I am writing to thank you for the way in which you handled my recent transaction concerning the purchase of a Westmorland Sapphire organ.
Your help at the time of purchase was greatly appreciated and the efficiency of your colleagues who delivered and installed the organ in my home was carried out in a most professional way.
What about the instrument! I fell in love with it when I first played it at one of your open days in Shaw about 3 years ago. Whilst one is tempted to exaggerate ones feelings as time goes by, the Sapphire not only came up to my expectations but exceeded them.
The instrument is a superb work of art. With appropriate registration the organ makes a sound comparable to that found in large parish churches and cathedrals. Similarly subtle mixing of stops can produce a beautiful sound found on some of the historic organs on the continent. In addition it has an abundance of useful accessories including combination pistons that can be customised with great ease.
I feel Makins have every reason to be proud of this organ. I also feel extremely proud and fortunate to be the owner of such a beautiful instrument.
Again many thanks for assisting me with this order.
From Aubrey Venables, Darfield All Saints: I play quite a few instruments within the Deanery and beyond, and there is no doubt in my mind that I have been able to specify, and see realised, a superb instrument, which in my opinion “outplays” all the other instruments, either digital or pipe, which I encounter on a regular basis. It is now “seamlessly” installed within the Walker frame, with the thirteen speakers ranged about twelve to fourteen feet above the ground, on their own “floor”, and hidden from view by the original pipes forming the frontage of the Walker. The bass has its own privileged position on the floor. Now, I shall take great delight in writing, albeit tardily, a letter of thanks. Our Architect, Mr. Andrew Wiles, considers the installation to be superb. We all agree.
From Kathy Underhill, Director of Music, Most Holy Redeemer, Billericay: Firstly I wanted, rather belatedly, to ask you to pass on my thanks to Richard for all his work in preparing our wonderful Westmorland for the BBC Recording we made for Sunday Half Hour. The organ sounded magnificent, thanks to his efforts! The programmes were/will be broadcast on Feb 14th and Sunday 28th March. Simon Vivian, the Producer, clearly liked what he was hearing.
From Billericay, Mr Phillips: Just a few lines to thank you all for such a superb day in March, Cambs, last Saturday. The amount of work needed to put on such an enjoyable day, was much appreciated by the four of us who attended. The organs, personal service, food, and evening recital, made for a wonderful experience. The two friends who accompanied my wife and myself can now see why I possess a Makin organ, and would never ever consider any other. You are streets ahead of the “competition”, and offer a service, and product, second to none. Well done, and many thanks once again. All best wishes, and kind regards to you all.
From Steven Mann, Manchester: Many thanks for installing my new organ. Although I came to your showroom having already decided on a Johannus, the advice and professionalism I received from yourselves re-affirmed that my choice was a good one. Many thanks.
From John Lane, Ballinrobe, County Mayo: I would like to thank you for giving me such a beautiful addition to my home, The Makin Sapphire. The sound quality is outstanding and a joy to listen to for a standard instrument. I am confident that it will be here with me for many years to come and I hope it won't be the last Makin I'll purchase, maybe 4 manuals and draw stops next time, (when I win the lottery!) I will highly recommend Makin to any other Church and Organist seeking the digital option. Thank you so much!
From Paul Trepte, Ely Cathedral: I write to thank you most warmly for the generosity of your firm to Ely Cathedral. Our organ battle weekend came to a close yesterday and it attracted many visitors. There have been many complimentary remarks about the quality of the instrument you installed for us and Jonathan Lilley and I both enjoyed playing it. In terms of the battle scenario it certainly did the business! It was particularly good to be able to tune and balance the instrument so easily. Jonathan and I both found it very comfortable to play.
From Martin Hall, King Edward 6th School, Southampton: We are really delighted with our new organ. It is such an improvement on the old one, with rich and varied tones and an impressive bass response. It led its first assembly and hymn with style and its quality of sound has been much admired. I look forward to getting to know it better in future years.
From Cirencester, Mr Foulkes: Richard Goodall was very helpful to us on both our visits to Mixbury. He did not put any pressure on us to buy, and answered our questions in a very professional way. My son, Will, is delighted with the organ and plays it continually.
From Telford, Dr Robert Fowler: I looked around for an organ for my own personal use and having played the Makin Organ in my local church, decided to give Makin Organs a chance. This is probably the best decision music wise I have ever made. The staff at Makin, I cannot praise highly enough, all were professional even to the extent of carrying out first aid (I cut my finger). Dr Harrington is a professional person of the highest calibre. I can’t praise them enough. If anyone in the near locality wishes to come and play this superb instrument then they are more than welcome. I cannot praise Makin enough, and will gladly supply reference for them at anytime. Many thanks Dr Harrington.
From Charles & Norma Stowman, St Matthews Parish Church, Edgeley: Congratulations on the installation of the magnificent Makin in St Matthew’s church. Your usual attention to detail is very evident in the way that it has been fitted into the space of the old organ console which is extremely pleasing to the eye. Of course it goes without saying that the sound of the organ is also of a like standard, and I am sure that many “goose pimples” have been raised on people, judging by the many complimentary comments that have been expressed. It will be, I’m sure, a special treat to hear it played by Professor Tracey when he comes in October. We will of course make his recital widely known.
From Alan Baum, Christ Church URC Leicester: The installation process was complicated by technical demands but from the first consultation we were delighted with the attention and advice we received. The whole team at Makin’s was courteous, professional and attentive to our needs and concerns at all times. As to the organ itself it has been universally welcomed and appreciated not only by those who were keen from the outset but also the few who were not entirely convinced. They are now! As organist I have also been delighted with the sound and capabilities of the organ. It has enabled me to expand my repertoire and resurrect pieces that were beyond the old pipe organ. As a result I like to think that the whole musical output at services has been vastly improved. I am sure we can look forward to a long and happy association with your company.
From Mrs June Allen, St Elwyn’s Parish Church, Hayle, Cornwall: On behalf of all of us at St Elwyn’s, especially our organist David Woodger and myself, we wish to express our thanks to you and to Richard Goodall for the considerable help and advice you both gave us in helping us to choose the organ most suitable for St Elwyn’s. The Makin Westmorland 3 manual 41 stop is magnificent and is more than a fine replacement for the damaged pipe organ which it has replaced. The organ is much admired and attracting quite a bit of interest from other organists. Thank you both and all the Makin team for installing the organ without any disruption to our church.
From Ian Curror, All Saints Chapel, The Royal Hospital Chelsea: The brief for the organ in the newly-built All Saints Chapel was specific on a number of points. The instrument was required to accompany robust hymn singing, accompany a sextet of professional singers in a wide range of church music, and be suitable for teaching organ students. The console was to be as near ‘normal’ as possible, with all the controls for peripheral facilities (transposer, midi functions, volume etc) located to one side, away from the player’s forward view, and the loudspeakers located within the console cabinet. Tonally, the organ was based on a romantic English model, many of the samples being taken from distinguished pipe organs. Makin met these stringent demands with a high degree of professionalism and attention to detail and I am grateful for the firm’s good-humoured patience with me. The firm even met my (I think unique) request for a sequencer repeater, located on top of the choir manual cheek, for the convenience of a page turner/registrant. Our new chapel has a truly custom-built instrument it can be proud of and which will enhance its liturgical music making for many years to come.
From Oundle, Mr Round: I am writing to say how pleased I am with the Westmorland Classic organ which I have recently purchased from Makin. When looking for a replacement for my old instrument, my main concerns were to find an organ which sounded as much like a pipe organ as possible and which felt like a pipe organ to play. Before I settled on the Westmorland Classic, I played a large number of other organs from other manufacturers and there was no doubt in my mind that Makin was best on both counts. My main problem was trying to decide which Makin instrument to buy! During my dealings with Makin I was very impressed with the professional nature of the company. Richard Goodall patiently and courteously answered my many questions, the installation team came exactly when they were supposed to and quickly got the organ set up and working in its new home, and I have found the after-sales service to be very efficient and helpful. I have no hesitation in recommending Makin to anyone.
From Mike Lomas, St Hugh of Lincoln, Stretford: In the first place may I apologise for not writing earlier, I’ve been far too busy playing the marvelous instrument that has been installed at church!! The whole experience from choosing the specification to installation was truly mind blowing. On the day of installation, Steve and Dave were professional yet ultra aware of our requirements. They were superb and a credit to your company. The response from the congregation has been fantastic and I am regularly asked where I have hidden the pipes!! The singing has increased exponentially with the quality of sound from the organ. Once again, many thanks for the truly exceptional quality and service, and please feel free to point future customers my way for endorsement.
From Revd David Souter, Kinnoull Parish Church, Perth: On behalf of Kinnoull Parish Church I want to place on record our most sincere thanks for the way in which our new Makin organ has been provided. the process has been a pleasure at every stage. Even the interim instrument which was supplied to cover the months when the work of removing the old pipe organ was going ahead soon became known affectionately as the "Baby Makin" and it was of more than adequate quality to lead worship. However the final installation has been met with the highest of praise not only from the congregation but has also been acclaimed across the wider organ fraternity within Scotland. Your patience and your personally interest in helping us to achieve such an excellent result has been much appreciated. The voicing and final tweaking to ensure that we were entirely satisfied was what made all the difference. We at no point felt that we were simply making a purchase but rather that together with your staff we were part of a creative process to ensure that we should have an organ appropriate to the needs of our particular church. The result is an extremely fine instrument of which we all can feel justifiably proud.
From Mr Hind, St James Methodist Church, Rainhill, Prescot: On behalf of everyone at St James Church I would like to say a big thank you for the new Makin Organ you installed for us recently. Throughout the process of purchasing the organ we received valuable advice, initially from James over the phone and on his visit to our premises. Then later at our visit to your showroom at Shaw, where we received the utmost courtesy and help from everybody we met. Once we had placed the order we were kept well informed regarding delivery and installation. We were also helped by you supplying us with the cable to allow us to run it under the floor prior to having new flooring fitted. Your installation team, led by Steve did a professional job fitting the organ and speakers to our requirements, with little fuss or disturbance. All coming to fruition the following day when James did the voicing and then gave our organist valuable advice, after which his confidence grew. Immediately prior to our reopening Service our architect Mr Ralph Dransfield gave a recital, showing us what a vast range of music and sounds can be achieved on our new Makin organ. A wonderful testimony to you and all your staff for all you have done for us during this project.
From Mr Trevor Ragg, Mid Warwickshire Crematorium: As you know a new Westmorland Jubilee Organ was recently installed in the South Chapel of the Mid Warwickshire Crematorium. I would like you to know how much the organ is appreciated by all who have heard it, even those with an unmusical ear. The sound of the Organ is absolutely magnificent. I would like to covey my thanks and the thanks of the Crematorium manager to all at Makin organs for the seamless way in which the whole process was carried out. Firstly I would like to thank Steve Lanyon and his installation team who removed the old organ from the very high loft and installed the new organ in three hours. Many thanks to them. Last but by no means least my thanks must go to Richard Goodall who went beyond the call of duty in providing us with a truly wonderful instrument, whilst keeping within strict budget limits. I shall definitely recommend Makin Organs to anyone who wishes to purchase a new digital organ.