audiodrome
Joined: Oct 12, 2008
Posts: 29
Boston
|
Posted on Sep 27 2009 03:58 PM
I bought a 1966/1967 Farfisa Mini-Compact Deluxe on eBay back in 2001 for $200. When I got it home and plugged it in everything worked fine - all the keys, the voice tabs, and the knee lever. After using it for a few years I then "retired" it to a corner of my studio for the last six years. Last week after our studio closed its doors I brought the organ home and plugged it in to make sure that it was still working. Everything still worked fine - all the keys, the voice tabs and the knee lever. The only thing that didn't work was the vibrato section. When I switched it on there was no difference in sound at all. Any idea what might be wrong? Is this an easy fix? I would hate to have to track down an organ repairman. I don't think there are too many left in this area. Any help would be greatly appreciated as the vibrato feature is one that I use very often.
I've taken very good care of this organ over the years (it's been stored indoors) so it could just be the result of normal aging. This organ is one of the earlier models with the fewer voice tabs (see attached photos) so I'm hoping that it might be easier to repair.
I just got an e-mail response from Billy Zoom from the band "X" (it turns that he's a combo organ enthusiast and repairman). He mentioned that there's a trim pot on the vibrato card and to check that it hasn't turned completely green. Also, he said that there are switch contacts that look like bronze wound guitar strings about half an inch long that get pushed against a staple and they can turn green too.
[image](http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8058/farfisa.jpg)
— Paul
|
CrispyGoodness
Joined: Apr 06, 2009
Posts: 565
North Cackalacky
|
Posted on Sep 27 2009 04:27 PM
Try this: When you first fire up the little beast from cold, flip on the vibrato switch while holding down a few notes. If you get nothing, then Mr. Zoom is probably right--you've got some bad contacts somewhere that might simply need some cleaning. On the other hand, if, when you flip that switch, you get a slight pitch-bend on the notes, or vibrato for a few seconds, then nothing, then it's something more serious, like something in the vibrato circuits have gone south.
--Crispy
|
audiodrome
Joined: Oct 12, 2008
Posts: 29
Boston
|
Posted on Oct 02 2009 10:02 AM
CrispyGoodness
On the other hand, if, when you flip that switch, you get a slight pitch-bend on the notes, or vibrato for a few seconds, then nothing, then it's something more serious, like something in the vibrato circuits have gone south.
After powering it up, I flipped the switch and I did hear the sound "twist" a little bit but then nothing. The next time I turned it off and on there was no change in the sound.
— Paul
|
Fuzzmeister
Joined: Jan 06, 2008
Posts: 163
Canberra, Australia
|
Posted on Oct 02 2009 06:09 PM
If you are not already a member of the Combo Organ Nation forum, go here http://combonation.proboards89.com/ and join up.
Many knowledgeable people there who will be able to help.
— http://www.reverbnation.com/spaceparty4
|
audiodrome
Joined: Oct 12, 2008
Posts: 29
Boston
|
Posted on Oct 03 2009 10:02 AM
Thanks - just went there!
— Paul
|
Phantom1
Joined: Mar 07, 2007
Posts: 107
Sacramento
|
Posted on Oct 03 2009 11:02 AM
I have 2 mini compacts, one that's identicle to yours and an earlier one, and a red full sized combo compact. To be honest, even when the vibrato is working it's not very strong. When I record them now I usually use my Keeley modded Boss vibrato pedal that I got to use with my Bassman. Something to consider if you're unable to get it fixed. Of course if your amp has vibrato there's always that.
-Ted
|
CrispyGoodness
Joined: Apr 06, 2009
Posts: 565
North Cackalacky
|
Posted on Oct 04 2009 07:57 PM
I think you've got issues with the vibrato circuits. Apparently it's easy to fix, but the trick is finding the guy who still understands old-school transistor stuff, and of course, also doesn't charge you an arm and a leg. Maybe those combo organ forums can help.
--Crispy
|
audiodrome
Joined: Oct 12, 2008
Posts: 29
Boston
|
Posted on Oct 05 2009 05:27 PM
Since contact cleaning didn't fix anything it is probably something more involved, but I'm beginning to think that it's not that big of a deal after all. For the past few days I've been using the Pitch Vibrato setting on my Line6 MM4 Modulation Modeler, which is way more dynamic and much more variable.
— Paul
|
CrispyGoodness
Joined: Apr 06, 2009
Posts: 565
North Cackalacky
|
Posted on Oct 06 2009 06:14 PM
There ya' go--now you make it sound like an Acetone!
|
audiodrome
Joined: Oct 12, 2008
Posts: 29
Boston
|
Posted on Oct 07 2009 02:58 PM
I can't remember exactly what the Farfisa vibrato sounded like but I imagine this setup is pretty darn close.
— Paul
|
May Birthdays 
