David M Storey Inc Pipe Organ Builders in Baltimore: Custom Organ Construction and Restoration

David M Storey Inc is a pipe organ building and restoration firm operating in Baltimore since the 1970s, specializing in the design, construction, and mechanical repair of pipe organs for churches, concert halls, and private installations across the Mid-Atlantic region.

What David M Storey Inc actually is

This is a full-service organ builder and restoration workshop, not a retail showroom or lesson studio. The firm designs and constructs new pipe organs to client specifications and restores existing instruments, handling everything from mechanical repairs to tonal regulation. Work ranges from modest chamber organs to large church installations. The workshop operates as a maker's business: clients engage the firm for a specific project rather than walk-in services, and the building process typically spans months.

Services and pricing

New organ construction begins with a site consultation, tonal design, and budget discussion. Pricing depends entirely on instrument size, case design, and complexity. A small chamber organ might begin in the range of $40,000 to $80,000; larger church installations can exceed $200,000. Restoration work is quoted per project after assessment and typically costs less than new construction but varies widely by the organ's condition and the scope of mechanical or tonal work needed.

The firm also offers maintenance contracts for existing installations, though pricing for ongoing service is negotiated individually. Prospective clients should contact the shop directly to discuss a specific instrument or space, as no standardized service menu or published rates exist.

How it compares to other Baltimore organ options

Baltimore has few other pipe organ builders or restorers operating at a comparable professional scale. The Organ Clearing House, based in Massachusetts but serving the region, specializes in relocating and refurbishing vintage organs; it suits clients looking to acquire a used instrument rather than commission a new build. The Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins employs organ faculty and maintains several concert instruments but does not offer custom building services to the public. For churches seeking a new organ, options typically narrow to either David M Storey or contracting with a regional builder outside Maryland, making local expertise a practical advantage for clients who want regular site visits and post-installation support without travel.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

This firm suits churches planning a capital instrument purchase, concert venues needing restoration work, and collectors or institutions with a serious long-term commitment to pipe organ music. It also works with organists and musicians who understand the instrument well enough to participate in tonal design. It does not suit casual buyers, renters, or anyone seeking a quick, off-the-shelf solution. It is not an appropriate resource for learning to play organ; prospective students should contact Peabody Institute or private instructors who teach on existing instruments.

What the first visit involves

An initial consultation typically happens on-site at the space where an organ will be installed or where an existing instrument needs assessment. The builder evaluates acoustics, available space, structural support, and budget constraints. For new construction, this leads to a design proposal and tonal specification. For restoration, the builder examines the organ's condition, identifies mechanical problems, and estimates labor and parts costs. This meeting is essential and cannot be completed by phone or email alone, as pipe organs are highly site-dependent instruments.

Hours, location, and logistics

The workshop operates by appointment only; there are no walk-in hours or public showroom. Contact the firm directly to schedule a consultation. Parking is available at the workshop location. Lead times for new construction typically extend 12 to 18 months from contract to installation, depending on the instrument's complexity and the builder's schedule. Restoration timelines vary but often require the organ to be removed from its space for several weeks of bench work.

David M Storey Inc remains one of the few custom organ builders still operating on the East Coast, making it an essential contact for anyone in Baltimore or the region seriously considering pipe organ ownership or restoration.