Our Story
The Chime Master Legacy
Chime Master's story is one of innovation, adaptation, and family tradition spanning three generations. What began as a retail audio business has evolved into a specialized company bringing beautiful bell sounds to communities across the country.
From Music Store to Bell Specialists
Incorporated in 1962 as Commercial Music Service Co., our company was founded by William (Bill) White. Initially operating several retail stores selling high-fidelity stereos, record players, and radios, the business soon expanded into specialized audio services.
In those early days, before digital technology, Bill developed expertise in creating continuous-loop reel-to-reel tapes for background music systems in retail stores. These custom audio solutions would play music with occasional advertisements interspersed—a service that required precision and technical skill to execute properly.
The Digital Revolution
When compact disc technology emerged in the 1980s, Bill recognized that the days of tape-based systems were numbered. Seeing the superior reliability and sound quality of CDs, he collaborated with his son Rick (an engineer) to develop an all-digital, CD-based carillon system for churches and institutions.
This forward-thinking move positioned Chime Master at the forefront of the industry. Our CD-based system offered unparalleled sound quality and reliability compared to existing tape-based options. Every bell sound was professionally recorded, and every musical arrangement was carefully crafted by a talented church musician, Wilma Hugus, who personally recorded every piece in our extensive music library.
Wilma, who was Rick’s mother-in-law, might be one of the most widely heard musicians in the world–her beautiful arrangements play daily in towns and
Expanding to Real Bells
As our reputation for electronic carillons grew, customers began asking, "If you can make electronic bells sound so good, can you help with our real bells?" This led us to expand into bell automation, repair, and restoration services.
Today, Chime Master works with both electronic and cast bronze bells, offering comprehensive solutions for churches, colleges, and other institutions. From casting new custom bronze bells to restoring 100-year-old historic bells, from creating smartphone-controlled ringing systems to designing complete bell towers, we've evolved into a full-service bell company.
Family Tradition Continues
Now in its third generation of family leadership, Chime Master remains committed to the values of quality, innovation, and personal service that have defined us from the beginning. The expertise and craftsmanship developed over more than six decades continue to guide our work as we help communities preserve and celebrate their bell traditions.
What began as a small Ohio family business has grown into an industry leader, but we've never lost sight of our roots. Every project, whether large or small, receives the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence that has been our hallmark since 1961.
Contact us today to discuss your bell project. We’d be honored to help you!
Explore Chime Master’s History
1962: The Beginning
William (Bill) White founded Commercial Music Service Co., specializing in custom audio solutions and continuous-loop tape systems for retail stores.
1980s: The Digital Revolution
Bill and his son Rick developed Chime Master's first all-digital, CD-based carillon system, revolutionizing church bell technology with superior sound quality and reliability.
2000: The Millennium
Chime Master launches the Millennium, our first all-digital carillon with no moving parts, marking a leap forward in solid-state bell technology.
2008: Growing Capabilities
Our expanding team gathers with a massive mobile carillon featuring 48 bells—the largest weighing 2,000 pounds—showcasing our ability to tackle ambitious custom projects.
2010s: Expanding Beyond Electronics
Customer demand leads us into real bell work. We begin offering bell automation, restoration, and casting services, becoming a full-service bell company.
Today: Three Generations Strong
From our Ohio facility, Chime Master continues designing, manufacturing, and installing electronic carillons, bell automation systems, and tower clocks for communities nationwide.
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