Our History

The Schantz Organ Company, founded in 1873 by A.J. Tschantz, (later changed to Schantz) is the largest and oldest American pipe organ builder still under management of the founding family. Combining his inventive skills with a love of music, Schantz began building pipe organs after a brief venture into the construction of reed (parlor) organs.

In the early part of the twentieth century, A.J.'s sons joined him in his organ building shop. Under their leadership, the growing company developed a strong reputation as a regional builder. (Most of the early instruments were modest in size and found within a couple of hundred miles of the workshop in Orrville.) In turn, their sons learned the skills of the trade and took over the operation of the company. It was under the leadership of the third generation (following World War II) that the company developed its national reputation.

Today work continues under the management of the third and fourth generations of the Schantz family. Commissions for the firm include projects ranging in scope from restoration of existing instrument to the construction of an entirely new organ and in size from small organs of a few ranks of pipes to complex designs for some of the largest halls, church and cathedrals in the world.

Whether the project is an entirely new organ, rebuild, restoration or additions to an existing instrument, the same attention to detail and care in craftsmanship are hallmarks of our work. This is one way we strive for A Higher Level of Excellence.