Getzen Catalog - Home

4
Family Tradition Since 1939
1939 - After two decades in the industry and
ten years as Plant Superintendent of the Holton
Company, T.J. Getzen left to pursue the dream of
starting his own business. That year, the Getzen
Company was born in a remodeled dairy barn
behind the family home with three employees and
no customers.
During its first 7 years Getzen operated as a repair
shop, utilizing T.J.’s vast experience in the field.
The company quickly grew in size and reputation.
Capitalizing on that success, Getzen introduced its
first trombones in 1947 with trumpets soon to follow.
By 1949, T.J. had introduced a full line of trumpets, cornets, and trombones. By then, the family tradition of
instrument building was well on its way. The eldest of T.J.’s three sons, J. Robert, was Getzen’s Plant Manager
while Donald and William continued to establish themselves working in various areas of the factory.
Bob Getzen and Allied Music - 1959
1959 - History repeats itself when Bob Getzen left
the Getzen Company to follow his own dream.
Just like his father, Bob was backed by 20 years
experience in the industry, ten of which were
spent as a plant manager. Also like his father, Bob
utilized his vast knowledge and skill in instrument
repair as the basis for Allied Music.
That year, Allied Music opened in a 3,000 square
foot building just one mile from the Getzen factory.
The entire company consisted of Bob Getzen,
one employee, and again, no customers.
Over the years, Allied Music grew to be one of the largest wholesale repair facilities in the country. As it grew,
Allied Music expanded to include a repair school and spawned Allied Supply, a repair tool, parts, and supply
company. During that time Bob’s two sons, Tom and Ed, became involved and worked in all areas of the
company learning the business from the ground up. The family bond with the musical industry was further
strengthened.
1991 - Finally after 31 years and two owners, the
Getzen Company was back in the family’s hands
when Tom and Ed were able to buy the company
out of bankruptcy court. The circle was complete
as the grandsons of the company’s founder took
control. Eight years later, Ed Getzen sold his share of
the company to his brother and Tom became the
sole owner of Getzen.
T.J. Getzen and the Getzen "Barn" - 1939
Tom Getzen and the current building - 2005
Throughout the years many things have changed
at the Getzen Company. Ownership, employee,
and location changes have all worked to shape the company into what it is today. One thing that has never
changed however is the dedication you’ll find at Getzen to building the finest, high quality instruments found
anywhere. A dedication that is less a company philosophy and more a family tradition.