I knew there was a reason we like Goldfrapp around here! Check out this picture of a promo postcard that I stumbled across on the internets, Ms. Alison looking all cute and stuff carrying her own Farfisa! Yes, that’s right, she even knows how to plug it in!
Organs
Parent Category for all the different Console and Combo Organs that Farfisa made.
Farfisa Portorgan Reed Organ
Either there is a major resurgence of the popularity of reed organs, or a lot of people are getting their spring cleaning done! Here’s another “wind organ” that has popped up on ebay, the Farfisa Portorgan (though the seller spelled it portogram). He doesn’t have much info listed, but he does have the lid!
Made in Italy
(Matr. P 161/1222)circa 1970
model no. P-12
Volts 110-120 AC
Cycles 60
Watts 50Refurbished by Unicord Inc.
Garden City Park, NJ
Farfisa Organtone Reed Organ
Here’s a new one that I haven’t seen before, the Farfisa Organtone. Looks exactly like the previously mentioned Pianorgan (and Royal Artist Piano), but instead of nice Quartersawn White Oak, it is made out of what looks like nicer Santos Mahogany!
This one is for sale up on ebay right now, here’s the link.
You are bidding on this vintage “ORGANTONE” made in Italy, by Farfisa. I’ve heard these were imported to the US by Gretsch, but I am not sure. These are called “wind organs” because they play music by wind (generated by an electric motor) blowing through the reeds. They produce an accordian-like sound. It is in great condition & WORKS. All the keys work execpt for the last key on the right that is very low (it needs a good tunning from being storage) It is missing the original legs. It also has a few VERY LIGHT cosmetic defects SEE PICTURES.There is moderate wear to the finish, it is a very attractive, quality made instrument.
Farfisa Pianorgan on ebay
Visit this auction to buy!.
Description: Vintage “Pianorgan” made in Italy, by Farfisa. I belive this one was imported to the US by RCA Victor Canada, but I am not sure. These are called “wind organs” because they play music by wind (generated by an electric motor) blowing through the reeds. They produce an accordian-like sound.
Pieces Included: The organ only.
Condition: This particular instrument missing the original legs. It also has a few cosmetic defects. The keys at the far right have had the feet come undone. Also the springs will need to be replaced as well. There is moderate wear to the finish, and the front panel has what looks like yellowing from the glue used in assembly. Despite the flaws mentioned, it is a very attractive, quality made instrument. I’ve included all the parts that needed to be reattached.
Testing: I plugged it in and it does make sound. With the missing feet it makes sound constantly. All of the other keys make sound just great.
Farfisa Fast 5 on ebay in need of love
Check out this auction from a highly rated seller on ebay. It needs work, but it is fairly priced, and includes all the fixings including legs, the lid, a volume pedal, and a carrying case!
You are bidding on a RARE Farfisa Fast 5 compact organ. (FAST stands for “Farfisa All Silicon Transistorized) Farfisa organs became popular among rock bands and other combo groups and were responsible for some of the really great sounds of the 1960s.
Also included in the bid is a passive pedal, owners manual, schematic diagram, soft case (in need of zipper).
This machine works but has some dead keys, and needs to be serviced.
The body has some scratches, marks and signs of age and use. We wiped it down, but it also needs a good bath.
This is a hard-to-find, very desirable “rock” icon from the 1960’s.
Farfisa Super Bravo Sighting in Australia
Is this not the awesomest music store in Australia? The Music Swop Shop just outside of Melbourne has not one, but two Farfisas in stock! A Farfisa Bravo console organ, and a Farfisa Super Bravo combo organ.
The Farfisa Bravo was a top of the line console organ that featured a Rotating Speaker, Partner 15 Drum Machine, Easychord Section, Reverb, Vibrato, and a Cassette Recorder.
The Farfisa Super Bravo takes most of that and wraps it all up in a portable package!
Farfisa Stereo Syntorchestra Sighting on ebay
Check out this rare bird on ebay. The Farfisa Stereo Syntorchestra was their attempt at entering into the synthesizer market. This synth is much like the Moog Satellite stand alone synth, and those that were built into the old Thomas and Wurlitzer console organs.
Not for the deep bass loving folks, but this synth will land you somewhere in the Dick Hyman/Stereolab kind of place.
Farfisa Mini Compact Organ
This was the simplest of Farfisa Compact Organ. It is by far the most common Farfisa available on the market today. It’s list price in 1968 was a mere $495, something every suburban garage rocker could possibly talk their parents into buying for them. How could they resist this 49 key, C to C keyboard, with a little of that Farfisa bite.
The Mini had just three tabs for sound, but it did have Vibrato, the Multi Tone Knee Booster, and the ALL Booster tab all wrapped up in a fantastically awesome avacado green tolex covered plywood case.
Farfisa Professional 88 Organ
I don’t know much about the Farfisa Professional 88 Organ. It appears to be a massive beast of an organ, and judging by limited sightings, it may have been only for the possibly for the South American Market.
I received a message from one of the gentlemen from The Magnetic Band who said the bass section was great.
Farfisa Matador R Combo Organ
It has a few different tabs for contouring the sounds along with a nice Vibrato, Vibrato Repeat, and Percussion. The best feature about the Matador is the Slalom (Glissando or Pitch Bend) can be controlled by the optional Farfisa Grey Volume pedal. This feature lets you control the pitch of the bend up to the note you are playing on the keyboard.