Do any of you techs work on organs as well as pianos?

I've got a Leslie that seems to have a mind of its own: will work on low speed or high, when it feels like it. Most of the time, the top horns spin about a quarter of a turn, then stop.

Probably an electronic problem I suppose. . . I've gone through all the "low tech" approaches, wiggling wires, beating on this and that, made sure all the moving parts were oiled and moved freely, etc.

Does anyone know, are Leslie speakers still made? Parts available anywhere? They were oh so cool back in my rock years, and there is still something about them that I find captivating (though the Leslie "sound" can be done electronically now).

And I'll bet I'm the only one around, with a Compact-Duo in my garage, made by Farfisa (I can tell you've all stopped breathing in awe). The exact organ used by The Doors, two-manual portable. Waiting for the Smithsonian to call (my wife has pleaded me to take it to the dump, I refuse, it would be criminal). . .

:p :p

Hi rvaga I think I might be able to help you out a little, I am the head tech at a place called Cantos music foundation we have a collection of over 400 keyboard instruments (larger than the Smithsonian) and probrably have the largest electronic collection in the world I talked to our electronic tech and he said he would need the serial # to determine what is wrong with your Leslie or you can call Hammond Suzukie in Lombard Illinoise # 630 543 0277.

and about your compact duo would it be possible if you could give a little bit more info. does it still have its power supply etc...

Something else that might interst you. I talked to our curator of the electronic instruments and the Doors never used a farfisa majority of the time they used a Gibson and a couple of times Vox. Sorry about that....

Hi Matt16,

Thanks for the response. Do you have a web site for Cantos Music? I hijacked a picture above, just so people can see what the history of rock organ was founded upon. . .

Well, I won't let you burst my bubble .
I had a picture of The Doors on my wall as a kid, and there was the "Compact Duo," which is why I went gaga and forced begged pleaded my parents to buy me that exact organ. hmmmmm. Maybe it wasn't The Doors, but an Iron Butterfly poster. Oh well.

But, you're right. I checked around online (I was AMAZED that there was anything at all on the Farfisa organs!!), and found out that Ray Manzarek used the Vox Continental until '68, and used the Gibson G101 on the famous "Light My Fire" segment on the old Ed Sullivan show. He did use the Farfisa Compact Duo on occasion. Of course, he could afford to use anything he wanted back in those days.

Other bands that used this Italian organ (how in the world did a rock organ get born in Italy??) were The Animals, Grateful Dead (late 60's), Iron Butterfly (yes, our first effort was In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, whooppeee!), Country Joe, Pink Floyd, and others. And, when the Hammond sound came out, I followed suit with a B-3 (worst mistake I ever made was selling it...).
My "claim to fame" was that James Brown, or rather guys in his band, borrowed two 147 Leslie's from where we practiced, and I never saw the Leslie's again. Ripped off by the best, I guess. Tried to get "justice" with knives. Boy were we young, tough, and stupid! The good 'ol days.

I'll check the serial number on the Leslie. It's actually dear 'ol mom's organ that she just acquired, and I found I still have not lost my touch in screwing up anything electronic.

As for the condition of my Compact-Duo (currently a garage ornament): yes, power supply, reverb (used to make the "explosion" sound by turning it on and off, er. . . special effects). Overall, it's in great shape as far as I know, though there are some cigarette burns and several authentic beer stains.

The horn and base speakers in the old Leslie cabinets (I had a 145 and a 147) were driven by a belt. If the belt is stretched it will behave erraticaly.

It's also possible (although I doubt it) that the tubes are wearing out. If it isn't the rectifier, the amplifier tubes should be replaced in matched sets.

It sounds like Matt may be able to help you (Matt, I'd love to see that collection at Cantos).
You might also want to try the "Organ" page on Piano World. We have some links to some service places. http://www.pianoworld.com/organs.htm

- Frank B.
Piano World

I would love to give you guys our web address but it is not up and running yet It will evetually be under www.cantos.ca . the belt and the tubes could definatly be the problem, there is also a rubber disc that the horns rotate on the tech here says that it can get compressed and in turn stop the mechanism from turning.

If you want to find out if Iron butterfly used a Farfisa you should ask our electronics tech he just so happens to be there x keyboardist I think he was there 7 or 10 he played from 77 to 83, He has some preety amazing stories. if you would like to e mail me I can give you his number (moffattm@cantos.ca) :p

rvaga I almost forgot the reason I had asked what kind of condition your Farfisa was in, we are always looking for donations of great instruments like the onr you have if you are interested Email me... thanks

Matt, forgive my ignorance of Canada's geography.
How far is Calgary Alberta from Toronto?
I will be visiting our Toronto office soon, probably next month.

- Frank B.
Piano World

About a 4 hour flight quite a ways away.