Ross Daly entered the world of organ building at the age of 17, following in his father’s footsteps and gaining an early grounding in traditional organ-building practice. He quickly established a reputation as a reliable and technically accomplished organ tuner across the Midlands, which led to a number of high-profile tuning appointments with Nicholson & Company Ltd, one of the UK’s leading organ-building firms.

Working closely with his father and organ-builder associate Keith Jones, Ross developed wide-ranging practical experience in tuning, maintenance and repair, gradually assuming responsibility for a substantial portfolio of instruments across the Midlands and South Wales. This hands-on background has given him a strong understanding of the interaction between pipework, actions, wind systems and the acoustic environment in which each organ operates.

Ross is accredited by the Institute of British Organ Building (IBO) in tuning, maintenance, cleaning and overhauls. His work frequently involves the diagnosis and resolution of complex mechanical and wind-related issues, including action regulation, wind supply faults and the careful assessment of ageing materials, always with an emphasis on reliability and the sympathetic conservation of historic fabric.

As Director of Daly Organs Ltd, Ross takes a methodical and well-documented approach to organ care and restoration, placing strong importance on clear communication with churches and advisers, thoughtful planning of works, and providing practical, technically informed advice to support the long-term performance and preservation of each instrument.

Kevin Davies is a highly experienced organ builder and restorer and a key member of the Daly Organs Ltd team, bringing extensive knowledge and a strong engineering mindset.

He previously spent an exceptional 43 years with Nicholson & Company Ltd, where he was closely involved in the construction, restoration and long-term care of a wide range of instruments in churches and cathedrals across the UK and beyond, including work on the construction of a major new organ in New Zealand.

Kevin is particularly respected for his expertise in the restoration of soundboards and windchests, combining traditional craftsmanship with a practical, analytical approach to diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical and wind-related issues. His wider experience includes actions, wind systems, leatherwork and regulation, always carried out sympathetically and with careful respect for the historic character and musical integrity of each instrument.

At Daly Organs Ltd, Kevin plays a key role in both workshop and site work and is highly valued for his meticulous standards, reliability and depth of experience.

Neil Daly has worked in the organ trade for over 25 years, developing his skills within the family business and establishing a strong reputation in his own right as a dependable and accomplished organ builder and tuner.

Based in the South East of England, Neil maintains a substantial tuning and maintenance round and has responsibility for a number of prestige instruments, providing consistent, high-quality care and reliable service to churches and institutions in his region.

Neil has also been involved in major projects, including working alongside the team at Nicholson & Company Ltd on the installation of the organ at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland, New Zealand, as well as contributing to a number of other high-profile restoration schemes.

Known for his professionalism, musical sensitivity and methodical approach, Neil plays an important role in ensuring the instruments under his care perform reliably and to a high standard year after year.

Paul Daly is the senior figure of the Daly family and brings over 50 years’ experience in the organ trade, with comprehensive knowledge across all aspects of pipe-organ construction, restoration and maintenance.

Over the course of his career, Paul worked extensively with Nicholson & Company Ltd, contributing to a wide range of prestigious projects in the UK and overseas, including installations in the United States, New Zealand and Europe, and major UK instruments such as Birmingham Oratory, Paisley Abbey and Portsmouth Cathedral.

Paul’s career has encompassed both workshop and site-based work, giving him a deep practical understanding of organ design, materials, voicing, wind systems and long-term reliability. His experience and judgement are particularly valued in the diagnosis of complex faults and in workshop-based problem-solving.

Now enjoying semi-retirement, Paul remains actively involved with Daly Organs Ltd in an advisory and practical capacity, particularly in fault-finding, workshop work and the assessment of complex technical issues.

Keith Jones is a close associate of the Daly family and an experienced organ builder who brings broad technical expertise to the work of Daly Organs Ltd, with a particular specialism in voicing and tonal finishing.

Throughout his career, Keith has been responsible for the restoration of over 70 instruments, working across a wide range of historic and modern pipe organs. His experience encompasses both workshop and site-based work, giving him a deep understanding of the relationship between pipework, wind supply, scaling and acoustic environment.

Keith’s voicing work is characterised by careful listening, musical sensitivity and a methodical approach to tonal regulation, ensuring that each instrument speaks clearly and consistently while respecting the original tonal concept and character of the organ.

Keith’s depth of experience and specialist tonal knowledge make him an invaluable contributor to restoration projects, helping to ensure that completed instruments are not only mechanically sound but musically coherent and rewarding to play.

Apprentice Organ Builder

Alfie has joined Daly Organs Ltd as an apprentice organ builder, working both in the workshop and on site. Having completed a Level 2 electrical course, he is now undertaking an apprenticeship through DIDAC, with a particular focus on developing his woodworking skills. Alongside his training, he is gaining practical experience in traditional organ-building techniques, maintenance and restoration.