About OpenPipes

"To democratize access to the once-exclusive, closed-source, and prohibitively expensive pipe organ through open-source hardware and software."

The Vision

The pipe organ filled cathedrals for centuries - mechanically complex, acoustically impressive, and expensive to build and maintain. Even a modest church installation costs tens of thousands of dollars, before maintenance.

OpenPipes publishes the hardware designs, software, and woodworking plans so anyone with basic skills can build a working Virtual Pipe Organ (VPO) for a fraction of that cost.

What We Provide

• Pipebian & X86Pipes - Linux images for Raspberry Pi and x86, configured for organ use out of the box
• Custom MIDI Controller Boards - Arduino-based, open firmware, handles keyboards, stops, pedals, and expression controls
• Peripheral Modules - rocker buttons, thumb pistons, volume pedals, knobs, sliders, encoder boards
• Console Building Plans - CAD drawings and assembly guides for wooden consoles in multiple sizes
• Documentation & Community - guides, tutorials, and an active group of builders worldwide

The Team

Our Philosophy

Pipe organ sound shouldn’t require a proprietary system and a big budget. Everything in OpenPipes - OS, schematics, woodworking plans - is under open-source licenses.

Musicians, makers, engineers, and churches are all welcome. The instrument should be accessible to anyone who wants to play it.