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
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.
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.
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.
Here’s the link!
STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
Farfisa Syntaccordion is supplied w/swell pedal & separate tone generator.Connection to the general amplifer: Is made by means of the general outlet of the generator. Any good amplifer can be connected to Syntaccordion, however the model Farfisa TR-70 is recommended (60 watt RMS, two 12″ speakers, 2 independent channels each one having two iputs with Reverberation and controls for Volume-Bass-Middle-Treble).
Additional amplifcation: Three appropriate outputs of the generator allow the separate amplification of the following sections of Syntaccordion: 1 Flutes/Percussion/Presets. 2-Strings. 3-Piano/Harpsichord/Mono section.
It’s a traditional accordion: 41 keys, 3 sets of Treble reeds. 8 treble registers 120 basses. 4 set of Bass reeds. 3 Bass registers
Asking $5,000 or best offer. Manuals included also have the retail installment contract.
Take a look at this sweet orange goodness! The Farfisa Repeat/Volume pedal replicates the percussion feature that was on some of the VIP model organs. While not as big and meaty as a Hammond’s percussion, the repeat feature could be used to add a little clunk to your junk, or add a little hard tremolo action.
Be sure to visit this auction to buy it!
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!
Ok, so they aren’t playing an actual Farfisa, but the Moonstones tear it up with their Nord Electro, and if they pay homage to Farfisa, then I will pay homage to them!
And if any one is wondering, Nord is top notch in our books over here. I need to figure out how to upgrade our Nord 2 to the Nord 3!
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.
Wildrover434 — May 31, 2010 — Just A Closer Walk With Thee, played on my Farfisa Super Syntaccordion hooked up to my Farfisa TR70-OS amplifier with sferra sound which was supplied new with this accordion and my old Roland Compurhythm CR-8000 rhythm box all dating from the early 1980’s.