What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 3pm

Central Music

It was founded by Les Trubey and its first location was opened on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida (explaining the name). The late 1950s through the early 1980s represent the peak of the home organ industry in the United States. In its beginning, Central Music represented the Wurlitzer brand of home organs and pianos for the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Shortly after its founding, Central M

usic also became the dealer for Rodgers Instruments to serve the musical needs of the area’s churches. One of the most popular organs found in churches and homes alike is the Rodgers organ. Central Music enjoyed great success with Wurlitzer. Due to this early success, Central Music was faced with a need for a larger location. It was also at this time that Les Trubey and Nelson Newby of Illinois became acquainted. In 1973, Trubey built a new home for Central Music – a 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m2) building at 5175 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760 (where Central Music still resides today). It was the first building along that stretch of highway, with pastures for dairy cattle on both sides. However, the area has grown up around Central Music with an international airport within 2 miles (3.2 km) and a new eight lane road in front of the building. In 1977, due to health issues, Les Trubey decided to retire. Thru their mutual experience with Wurlitzer, Les Trubey decided to approach Nelson Newby, a proven salesman from Illinois. In November 1977, Nelson Newby with his wife Sharon and son Timothy moved to Florida and became Central Music’s new owners. At that time, Central Music had three locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. These locations not only offered new and used instruments for sale but were also locations where private lessons and group lessons were available. Around 1980, Wurlitzer began to struggle due to challenges from competition, a worsening economy and what was the beginning of the decline to the home organ industry. To compensate, Central Music took on a new brand in the musical instrument field, Yamaha. Yamaha, quickly rose to prominence in both the piano and (albeit declining) home organ industries, and Central Music became a Top-10 dealership for Yamaha in the United States. In recognition of Central Music’s sales and customer service, company president Nelson Newby was nominated to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Board of Directors in 1984. The highlight of his tenure was as co-chairman of the committee that created NAMM University and as a workshop presenter in its inaugural season. NAMM University remains a major focus of the organization to this day. Over the years, Central Music’s church organ division steadily became a larger and larger portion of the company’s revenues. In the mid-1980s, Central Music began to shift its attention away from home products, to focus on the needs of churches across a larger geographic area. Today Central Music serves Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Caribbean. In 1992, Central Music’s success was noticed by Fratelli Ruffatti’s National Director for US Sales (and concert artist) Ted Alan Worth. Headquartered in Padua, Italy (26 miles from Venice), Fratelli Ruffatti is the largest European supplier of pipe organs to the United States. Upon meeting, the Newby family and Mr. Worth quickly became friends and Central Music added Ruffatti to the list of fine musical instruments it offers. Timothy Newby grew up in the family business from the age of 6 and upon his graduation from the University of Miami, Nelson and Sharon’s son was announced as Vice President of the firm. His focus was on marketing, installation design, and the new pipe organ products from Fratelli Ruffatti. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Tim made several trips to Italy to apprentice with Francesco Ruffatti at their factory and in churches all throughout the beautiful country. At the turn of the century, Nelson and Tim sought out a piano brand that would complement the extraordinary classical organ products they offered, and they found such an instrument in Bluthner. In 2001 Central Music was named the Florida representative for Bluthner pianos of Leipzig, Germany. In 2016, Nelson had to considerably scale back his role within the company due to health issues (likely related to his service as a draftee in the Vietnam War) and in 2018, Tim succeeded his father as the 3rd President of Central Music. Central Music is a "Global Top-10 Dealership" for Rodgers and in 2021 was #1 in North America.

08/30/2024

Customer: So how is business?
Me: Pretty good. Rodgers shipped us 1.5 TONS of speakers today! 😄

Send a message to learn more

08/17/2024

🔊 SUBtember is back! Purchase a new sub before Sept 28th and get a wireless kit or stacking kit for free. The amazing KEF KC92 and KC62 both get down to 11Hz! That's low-F in the 64' range! Call us today 727.573.4654 and place your order.

Charles Maxtone-Smith plays Magnificat primi toni (BuxWV 203) – Dieterich Buxtehude

08/16/2024

Here is another beautiful performance on the Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ Builders, Padova Italy organ at Music at Buckfast Abbey. Enjoy!

Charles Maxtone-Smith plays Magnificat primi toni (BuxWV 203) – Dieterich Buxtehude Charles Maxtone-Smith plays Magnificat primi toni (BuxWV 203) by Dieterich Buxtehude. This piece is unusual among Buxtehude’s organ works in that it is neith...

07/08/2024

Thanks to everyone who visited the Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ Builders, Padova Italy booth at the National AGO convention in San Francosco. One of the key events of the convention was a concert on the iconic Ruffatti organ at St Mary Catholic Cathedral by Janette Fishell.

St. Mary’s Cathedral was packed for Janette Fishell’s SFAGO 2024 St. Cecilia Recital. Her program, “From Muse to Master,” featured works by Tournemire, Vierne, Eben, Laurin, and a world premiere by Mason Bates.

06/25/2024

05/16/2024

https://youtu.be/O-99pQNUbhs?si=ksRdnOU1FPXPUuxo

Introducing Rodgers Play Rodgers Play is a novel new tool that lets you remotely control playback on your organ*, available now on Android and iPhone.Download it here!https://apps.ap...

05/14/2024

Interested in becoming a Rodgers Instruments Technician? You can help churches across the region to 'Make a Joyful Noise!' 🎹🎼🎵

Be a Rodgers Technician 👇Visit this link for more info!👇 https://www.rodgersinstruments.com/technicianRodgers is looking for skilled individuals to join our network of dealers as ...

05/04/2024

Be a Rodgers Technician 👇Visit this link for more info!👇 https://www.rodgersinstruments.com/technicianRodgers is looking for skilled individuals to join our network of dealers as ...

05/01/2024

Our free organ sheet music of "Trumpet Tune" by Stacy Piontek originated as an improvised church service organ postlude. The festive and uplifting music style makes it a perfect repertoire choice for any celebratory occasion. The free mp3 recording was performed on a Rodgers Imagine 351 organ. Download the sheet music and mp3 here: https://www.rodgersinstruments.com/news/monthly-music-en-tips-ttrumpet-tune

04/26/2024

Rodgers Instruments offers this free organ music suitable for concert, ceremony, or church. "Grazioso," meaning "graceful" or "elegant," is from "Twelve Heroic Marches," a classic suite of short marches and processionals written by Georg Phillip Telemann in 1728 for trumpet and organ, arranged by Dan Miller.

Download the sheet music and a recording here:
https://www.rodgersinstruments.com/news/monthly-music-en-tips-grazioso

04/26/2024

It was an honor to host this gathering. Central Music was #1 in N. America for the 3rd year in a row.

04/21/2024

Beautiful!

The Rufatti pipes are in at Church of the Resurrection, Ellicott City.

03/18/2024

Congratulations to Marco Lutheran Church in Marco Island on receiving their new Rodgers Instruments Infinity 367 organ!

03/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/B3aXc4Vb6fGSVWyp/?mibextid=xfxF2i

03/07/2024

We received this heart-warming letter this morning and wanted to share it with all of you.

Tim,
I’m having a hard time knowing where to begin with my thanks. Since December 2021, we have called you multiple times and each time you have been more than helpful. You have had endless texts, trips to our area and have patiently waited on us to get to the place where we could actually finalize the transaction. I’m very sure that there were times when you wondered if it would really happen for our church. We also wondered about that on occasion!

Pastor Richard worked tirelessly toward this goal as he haggled with the insurance company and then with convincing the church committees. It has been a long, often stressful season for us as musicians. Each time you were asked to give numbers to support our claim, you were always able to come through for us. We did not take that involvement lightly.

I cannot tell you how impressed we are with the entire Central Music Team – the movers, Richard, Mike, Steve and Cathy. They are all so skilled and able to do whatever it took to complete the task. More than being able to install and voice the instrument, they are extremely helpful, kind and supportive. It is such fun to be with them and to see that they love what they do.

These first class people have taught me so much over the past week and I’m very aware that it’s only a fraction of what I need to know. Each of them have graciously given me their phone numbers and I know that I can reach out to any of you with my questions. I cannot think of any other company that I do business with that compares to yours.

Kudos to the entire team and thanks so very much. We look forward to many more years with the Newby family.

Vivian Guinn
First Baptist Church of Belleview, FL

We are so happy for Vivain, Pastor Richard and all the members at First Baptist Church. Enjoy your new Rodgers Imagine Series 351! Make a joyful noise!!!

02/25/2024

The crowd is overflowing into the balcony seats! Very exciting!

Photos from Church Organ Solutions - Rodgers & Johannus Organs of Dallas and Houston's post

02/22/2024

02/18/2024

So happy to see a standing-room-only crowd.

Coral Ridge Traditional Livestream, 11am, 2-11-24

02/13/2024

https://www.youtube.com/live/uRInTTdYnHg?si=8fD1Xvgg5vDhaoyf&t=753
The first Sunday at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church with the restored Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ Builders, Padova Italy organ!

Coral Ridge Traditional Livestream, 11am, 2-11-24

02/08/2024

https://youtube.com/live/vUZUGWtitpk
If you're unable to attend the competition in person, here is a link to view it online. Enjoy!

Judges for the final round of the 10th Anniversary Miami Organ Competition will be Todd Wilson, Ken Cowan, and Craig Morris. Repertoire includes:
J. Alain - Scherzo (Suite pour orgue)
J. S. Bach - Fugue in g minor, BWV 542
J.S. Bach - Fantasia & Fugue in c minor, BWV 537
M. Duruflé - Scherzo Op. 2
M. Duruflé - Toccata (Suite, Op.5)
M. Dupre - Prelude & Fugue in g minor, Op. 7/3
T. Escaich - Cinq Versets sur le “Victimæ paschali”
S. Karg-Elert - Introduzione [Inferno] (Jesu meine Freude, Op.87/2)
C. Tournemire - Communion & Sortie "Paraphrase-Carillon" (L'Assomption op.57)
C. Tournemire - Improvisation sur le “Te Deum” (trans. Duruflé)

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Our Story

Central Music is a Florida corporation that began in 1958. It was founded by Les Trubey and its first location was opened on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida (explaining the name). The late 1950s through the early 1980s represent the peak of the home organ industry in the United States. In its beginning, Central Music represented the Wurlitzer brand of home organs and pianos for the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Shortly after its founding, Central Music also became the dealer for Rodgers Instruments to serve the musical needs of the area’s churches. One of the most popular organs found in churches and homes alike is the Rodgers organ.

Central Music enjoyed great success with Wurlitzer. Due to this early success, Central Music was faced with a need for a larger location. It was also at this time that Les Trubey and Nelson Newby of Illinois became acquainted. In 1973, Trubey built a new home for Central Music – a 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m2) building at 5175 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33760 (where Central Music still resides today). It was the first building along that stretch of highway, with pastures for dairy cattle on both sides. However, the area has grown up around Central Music with an international airport within 2 miles (3.2 km) and a new eight lane road in front of the building.

In 1977, due to health issues, Les Trubey decided to retire. Thru their mutual experience with Wurlitzer, Les Trubey decided to approach Nelson Newby, a proven salesman from Illinois. In November 1977, Nelson Newby with his wife Sharon and son Timothy moved to Florida and became Central Music’s new owners.

At that time, Central Music had three locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. These locations not only offered new and used instruments for sale but were also locations where private lessons and group lessons were available. Around 1980, Wurlitzer began to struggle due to challenges from competition, a worsening economy and what was the beginning of the decline to the home organ industry. To compensate, Central Music took on a new brand in the musical instrument field, Yamaha. Yamaha, quickly rose to prominence in both the piano and (albeit declining) home organ industries, and Central Music became a Top-10 dealership for Yamaha in the United States.

In recognition of Central Music’s sales and customer service, company president Nelson Newby was nominated to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Board of Directors in 1984. The highlight of his tenure was as co-chairman of the committee that created NAMM University and as a workshop presenter in its inaugural season. NAMM University remains a major focus of the organization to this day.

Over the years, Central Music’s church organ division steadily became a larger and larger portion of the company’s revenues. In the mid-1980s, Central Music began to shift its attention away from home products, to focus on the needs of churches across a larger geographic area. Today Central Music serves Florida, Georgia and the Caribbean.

In 1992, Central Music’s success was noticed by Fratelli Ruffatti’s National Director for US Sales (and concert artist) Ted Alan Worth. Headquartered in Padua, Italy (26 miles from Venice), Fratelli Ruffatti is the largest European supplier of pipe organs to the United States. Upon meeting, the Newby family and Mr. Worth quickly became friends and Central Music added Ruffatti to the list of fine musical instruments it offers.

Timothy Newby grew up in the family business from the age of 6 and upon his graduation from the University of Miami in 1993, Nelson and Sharon’s son was announced as Vice President of the firm. His focus was on marketing, installation design, and the new pipe organ products from Fratelli Ruffatti. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Tim made several trips to Italy to apprentice with Francesco Ruffatti at their factory and in churches all throughout the beautiful country.

At the turn of the century, Nelson and Tim sought out a piano brand that would complement the extraordinary classical organ products they offered, and they found such an instrument in Bluthner. In 2001 Central Music was named the Florida representative for Bluthner pianos of Leipzig, Germany.

In 2016, Nelson had to considerably scale back his role within the company due to health issues (likely related to his service as a draftee in the Vietnam War) and in 2018, Tim succeeded his father as the 3rd President of Central Music.