Fender Contempo Organ!!!! Rhodes' long lost cousin?

[Ak_attack]

Hey everyone

I just got my Fender Contempo organ yesterday. It's the only organ Fender ever made, and it's pretty darn cool. I am kind of disappointed at how there is virtually NO information on the internet,  I bought this organ without ever hearing what it sounds like! It sounds awesome though, really warm sound. I have a Farfisa combo organ, and it doesn't sound as cheesy or reedy, more mellow in comparison. I think I will post a video sometime for those who are interested.

So some notes don't work or have a wonky sound. I'm not too excited about fixing it because I don't know very much about these things...... I'm hoping someone on the forum may be able to help me?

Anyway, here are some pics. I put the Contempo back to back with my Rhodes There's a pair you don't see every day!

[Mark II]

all I can contribute is a link
do you know this one:

http://www.combo-organ.com/Fender/fender.htm

good luck getting it back to work 100 %

Mark II

[Tehu]

What's all the knob on the top?
It's not original?

What purpose they have?

[Ak_attack]

Mark,
I have been to that site, very informative but it's pretty basic. The guy who runs the site doesn't own a Contempo so I can't really ask him much. I did get the schematics from that site though, so that will be helpful if I get someone to repair it for me.


Tehu,
The knobs on the top are a mystery. I can't seem to find any information whether or not they are original. There aren't any pictures I can find with them on, but then again I can only find like three pics online. There is a dissapointing amount of information and pictures on the net about these things. I know I have a different model than some because on one picture, there is some sort of knob on the right that is not on mine, see here:

http://bp0.blogger.com/_vvbvqpwVBz8/R-YLOMp0-SI/AAAAAAAAAHM/iyqwx5T48D4/s1600-h/contempo2.jpg


So with the 12 knobs, there are silver and black ones. Each black knob controls each black key on the organ, and the silver controls the white keys. When you flick a little switch on, it allows you to tune each individual key. When the switch is flicked off, it locks the pitch. Unfortunately though, when you flick the switch off it drops in pitch a little. Not really that noticeable when playing, but it sure is when you have a tuner on!

The little switch for the "A" knob is out of it's socket (is that the right name for it? lol). Sometimes the "A" note doesn't work, but if I wiggle the switch a bit I can get the note back. "F" note is totally dead. I can only get a flimsy sound out of it when the vibrato is on.

I can't seem to get the lid off the organ at all. I guess I will have to take out all the knobs...? I'll keep you posted

[Ben Bove]

I'm almost positive it's not original.  I'm not expert by any means but I've seen a few of them without this.  Unless it's some "cadillac" upgrade it's probably a mod.

[Ak_attack]

hm. Well what gets me is why can't you just take the lid off and tune it? Now I can't get the lid off at all.

[polyvoks]

of course it's a mod , I suppose that it's probably a kind of tuning regulation system each knobs corresponding to a note from C to B , perhaps to get the organ perfectly in tune or create custom tuning .

I'm also considering to record mine and add the samples on my site.

http://olivier-grall.yusynth.net/instruments/Polyphonics%20&%20Samplers/contempo/page%20contempo.html

[Ak_attack]

Thanks for the help everyone
So do you think the mod devalues the organ? I got everything for $500, plus an amp and the pedal.

Polyvoks is right about the tuning, either custom or perfect.. The switch flicked up locks the note at the correct pitch while flicking it down allows you to fiddle with it.

Now my next question is how the heck do I get the cover off?! I'm pretty sure someone used some kind of glue as I found some jelly-like stuff around the edges. ugh. :x What do you think is the safest way I can take the lid off?