
Our History
The Ferree’s Tools story began with a small repair shop and a commitment to helping people care for musical instruments. Over the decades, that commitment developed into a family business serving repair professionals, educators and musicians around the world.
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1946: The BeginningCliff and Barbara Ferree opened a one-room repair shop in Battle Creek, Michigan, known as Ferree’s Music Shop, Inc. Their first location was on the second floor above a local shoe store.
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1956: Expanding Their ExperienceAs the business grew, Cliff and Barbara purchased the repair tool departments of Conn and Leblanc, expanding the products and expertise available through Ferree’s.
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1962–1967: Teaching and GrowingFerree’s conducted a successful series of two-week instrument repair courses. During this period, the business moved to its current location at 1477 E Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek. Two additions were added to the building in 1967 to support the company’s continued growth.
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1976: More Room to ServeA second building was completed to accommodate the expanding business, new products and growing customer base.
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2011–2017: Continuing the Founders’ LegacyCliff passed away in 2011, followed by Barbara in 2017. Their legacy continued through their sons, grandson, employees and the many people their work influenced.
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2022: The Next ChapterIn 2022, their youngest son, Tom Ferree, purchased the remaining company shares from his brothers and nephew, becoming the sole owner of Ferree’s Tools. Today, the next generation of the Ferree family remains committed to preserving the traditions established in 1946 while using modern technology and practices to continue serving new and longtime customers.
Built on Practical Experience
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Simplicity
Repair tools should be practical, understandable and straightforward to use.
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Accuracy
Our tools are designed to support controlled, precise work at the repair bench.
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Efficiency
The right tool can make a complicated repair easier and help technicians work more effectively.
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Repair Professionals
Find specialized tools, replacement parts, shop equipment and supplies developed for professional instrument repair.
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Music Educators and Schools
Keep school instruments playing with practical repair kits, maintenance supplies and educational resources.
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Do-It-Yourselfers
Access products, instructions, sizing charts and videos to help you understand instrument maintenance and repair.
Thank You for Continuing Our Story
What began as a one-room repair shop has grown into a family business trusted by instrument repair professionals, educators and musicians worldwide.
From Tom, our employees and our families, thank you for choosing Ferree’s Tools. We are proud to continue the tradition Cliff and Barbara began and honored to support the work that keeps music playing.
