Resources

If you have questions about your reed organ, please review the following before contacting the museum.  Thank you.

How old is my reed organ? When was it manufactured?

The best way is to date a reed organ is to find its serial number. Click here for instructions.  If you can’t locate the serial number, you can look for your organ in an Estey Organ Company catalog.

How can I learn more about my reed organ?

You can learn about the style and specifications of your organ in Estey Organ Company sales catalogs, many of which are online. Click here for more.

How can I get my organ repaired or restored?

The Estey Organ Museum does not repair organs. The Reed Organ Society has members who specialize in this work and ROS regional and international councilors may be able to help you find one in your area.

If you want to do the work yourself, the Reed Organ Society’s website provides significant resources for instrument repair and restoration.  The booklet Care and Adjustment of Estey Organs is posted in the Internet Archive. There are also dozens of instructional videos on reed organ repair and restoration in YouTube

 What is the value of my organ?

The value of an instrument depends on its age, condition, and collectability. The Reed Organ Society’s website has an article on reed organ value. You can also visit online auction sites such as eBay or Craigslist for comparable values. Estey Organ Museum does not provide appraisals of Estey instruments or related products.

Can I donate my reed organ to the Estey Organ Museum?

The museum has more than 100 reed organs in its collection and is not currently accepting more.

How can I find a new home for my organ?

Selling or re-homing a reed organ can be a challenge. Try online auctions, freecycling sites, or local newspapers. Or donate your instrument to a local thrift shop, historical society, club, or church. When other efforts have failed, consider contacting a local furniture maker or school to repurpose the case or reclaim the beautiful wood.