Committed to building the best pipe organs in the world
At our headquarters in Champaign, Illinois, an old world tradition of fine craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail is nurtured and preserved. Experienced organ builders, cabinet makers, pipe makers, voicers, designers, and technicians train a select number of apprentices while practicing their respective crafts.
Keywords: organ builder, organ, pipe organ, organ maintenance, organ restoration
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
We have been in business first as a Sole Proprietor, now as a Limited Liability Company since 1980.
What is your primary product or service?
We design and build new pipe organs, and restore, rebuild, enhance and maintain existing pipe organs.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I knew I wanted to build pipe organs since I was six years old as a choir boy in the Choir of Men and Boys at St. Paul's by the Lake Episcopal Church in Chicago, where my father was the Rector.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We accomplish all of the design and engineering of every new organ and rebuilding project in-house. Our visual designs are all hand-crafted, using pencils (and erasers!) triangles and real drafting tables. We have developed a distinct tonal style which is very much influenced by the great English Cathedral organs of the 19th century, but have the ability to craft our sound to each particular client's wishes. For example, a new organ we recently completed for a Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin is more Germanically influenced, in respect and deference to their Congregation's heritage. But it is also at once warm, lush and full sounding!
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have two locations in Champaign. Our Production Department and administrative office is at 112 West Hill Street. Our fully staffed Service Department is in quarters at 510 North Hickory Street which includes shop plus warehouse spaces.
Provide detailed directions to your location
From I-74, get off at Neil Street and head south to Hill Street. Turn right (west) on Hill Street, and we're the 4-story red brick building Immediately on your right.
What type of payments do you accept?
Our clients' projects differ in scope, so each client contracts with us individually. We accept a downpayment of typically one-third the contract price, with smaller payments made during the life of the project. A small final payment is tendered upon completion and acceptance.
Which areas do you service?
We serve the world. However, to date we have organs in locations all across the United States.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
John-Paul Buzard owns the majority of the Company, but our key managers have been given percentages of ownership in gratitude for their significant accomplishments.
What are your hours of operation?
Shop hours are from 8:00am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. While working off-site at a client's edifice, we often put in long hours to get the work accomplished as efficiently as possible to reduce off-site expenses to our clients.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Signing a contract with us for a project, whether new or rebuilding.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Two:
"God watches out for fools and organ builders."
"In the elder days of Art
Builders wrought with greatest care
Each minute and unseen part
For the Gods see everywhere."