Our Team
David Wallace
David Wallace is the senior partner of David E. Wallace & Company Pipe Organ Builders of Gorham, Maine. He received his early appreciation for the pipe organ and musical training in piano and organ from Eleanor Wallace, John Fay and Stewart Shuster. After completing college, a graduate degree and an apprenticeship in organ restoration and maintenance, he founded David E. Wallace & Company Pipe Organ Builders. Wallace has authored numerous articles for organ journals and magazines on pipe organ history, restoration and, in particular, the historic pipe organs of Maine.
Nick Wallace
Nick Wallace holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance having graduated with honors from the University of Southern Maine School of Music. Though he grew up in the organ business, it was after graduating from college that Nick joined Wallace & Co. full time. As the junior partner, Nick now oversees many aspects of the business, but focuses on visual & mechanical design, shop production and general project management.
Leading Wallace & Co. into a new generation, Nick has expanded the shop's capability to build new mechanical action organs, alongside the detailed restorations of 19th century tracker organs that Wallace & Co. has built a reputation for over the last four decades.
Wallace & Company History
David E. Wallace & Co. LLC was founded in 1982 as a pipe organ service company based in southern Maine servicing some of the finest historic organs in New England. The shop grew quickly and began focusing on restorations and renovations of existing organs. In 1999 the shop took on its first new mechanical action organ project, with more following in recent years. Instruments from the Wallace shop are located in churches, music schools and private studios throughout the United States, Canada and in Europe.
Wallace & Co. has three main focuses: the design and construction of new mechanical action organs, the restoration of historic 19th century organs, and the maintenance of historic organs throughout New England.
Stylistically, our new organs draw inspiration from the organs of the mid-19th century. Though we do use some modern materials and allow ourselves to venture outside the 19th century tonal universe, our organs remain rooted in the best techniques from the last 200 years.
Restoration work involves finding a balance between the intent of the original builder and making the organ useful in the modern setting. We find it best to restore organs to a condition where organists enjoy playing them and congregations enjoy singing with them.
Wallace & Co. takes pride in being able to make all wooden parts needed for an organ and we use traditional woodworking and joinery methods to ensure their quality and longevity. All parts of any instruments’ action, wind system, wooden pipework, and casework are made right here in our shop.
We welcome the opportunity to provide a high-quality pipe organ to support your musical needs. Whether it be worship services, education, practice or just personal enjoyment, let us provide a proposal for the right instrument for you.
Our Focus
New Organs
Historical Restorations
Historical Restorations
Wallace & Co. opus 66.
Historical Restorations
Historical Restorations
Historical Restorations
1840 Thomas Appleton
Mechanical Action
Tonality and Voicing
Tonality and Voicing
Key and stop actions for each organ are carefully constructed, assembled, and tested in the workshop prior to installation.
Tonality and Voicing
Tonality and Voicing
Tonality and Voicing
Whether it's a large instrument or a small practice organ, we strive to make sure that every rank is an integral part of the larger ensemble.
Visual Design
Tonality and Voicing
Historic Design
Every organ is unique and should be accompanied by a thoughtfully designed façade that harmonizes with its surroundings.
Historic Design
Fine Craftsmanship
Historic Design
We employ the best historically inspired designs to ensure that our instruments are successful.
Fine Craftsmanship
Fine Craftsmanship
Fine Craftsmanship
Each instrument is meticulously hand-crafted in our fully equipped shop.