Digital pipe organ

Here's an interesting thread from the CMAA Resource mailing list:
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According to tradition would it be ok to stop using the usual pipe organ in disrepair or close, for a digital substitute such as Allan or Johannes organs? At the moment my parish uses a Yamaha electric organ eventhough we have an old, though working pipe organ, *scream!!!*. Please forgive my informal post!

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The De musica of 1958 says:

B. The classic organ and similar instruments.

61. The principal musical instrument for solemn liturgical ceremonies of the Latin Church has been and remains the classic pipe organ.

62. An organ destined for liturgical use, even if small, should be designed according to the norms of organ building, and be equipped with the type of pipes suitable for sacred use. Before it is to be used it should be properly blessed, and as a sacred object, receive proper care.

63. Besides the classic organ, the harmonium or reed organ may also be used provided that its tonal quality, and volume are suitable for sacred use.

64. As a substitute, the electronic organ may be tolerated temporarily for liturgical functions, if the means for obtaining even a small pipe organ are not available. In each case, however, the explicit permission of the local Ordinary is required. He, on his part, should consult the diocesan commission on sacred music, and others trained in this field, who can make suggestions for rendering such an instrument more suitable for sacred use.

Electronic organs have come a long way since 1958. The wording of the final sentence suggests that the objection to the electronic organ was not the fact that it was electric but that it did not remotely sound like a pipe organ. Vatican II in Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963) has this to add:

120. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things.

But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.

I should think this clearly permits use of a good electronic instrument, though the pipe organ still is the "official" instrument. After all, nothing but a pipe can really sound like a pipe. I think it is safe to say that all organs in heaven are pipe organs, although there may be a non-punitive limbo for decent electronic organs.
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Nothing can match the beautiful sound of a first-class pipe organ. However, if the choice is between a digital organ and a [digital] piano, guitar, drums, or other electronically amplified music instruments, the electronic organ would be preferable, until a proper pipe organ may be acquired.

Digital organs are NOT cheaper than pipe organs; they just don't live as long. If anyone wants more information on this topic, or some help to convince your parish please contact me.
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That's right. And a pipe organ will live for centuries, properly maintained.
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In fact a pipe organ, properly maintained, lasts indefinitely, whereas a digital organ is no organ at all but rather an electric appliance, which, like any other appliance, wears out after a while.