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Farfisa Compact Organ - Ex 13th Precinct Band (REO Speedwagon Link) - $1,195 (Indianapolis)
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The organ and lid have black vinyl covering, like a permanent slip cover which protects the original vinyl underneath. This looks professionally done since the corners are stitched and it does not appear glue was used although some stapling was done on the inside of the organ cabinet and lid. My original plan was to strip the black vinyl since the original vinyl underneath should look like new and also to have the organ fully serviced. The covering has a small hole in one place and the original red Farfisa vinyl looks perfect in that spot. The original owner also added unique ball wheels to the organ cabinet and lid which end up on the bottom when the organ is folded up.
This was bought before wide use and availability of the internet and the name 13th Precinct stenciled in red on the front flap of the Farfisa was a mystery at first. But a later internet search showed this band had some regional success and fame in Illinois and the keyboard player went on to record and play with REO Speedwagon! See 4th photo showing the 13th Precinct band using this very distinctive organ.
When I bought this organ, the power cord was cut so I could not test it and can still only provide the following visual observations (see below for recent servicing):
There do not appear to be any obviously missing electronic components.
In the bass octave, the white Bb key and lowest black Db key do not spring back after being depressed even though both springs
appear intact.
At least one plastic actuator appears missing although sometimes these fall off into the cabinet and can be found.
A small piece of wood painted gray is missing from the inside (see 5th photo).
The original plastic organ handle is missing its metal cap and comes off easily.
One of the screws that secures the thin cabinet flap to the metal stand is missing and the other is not original.
This organ was recently serviced by Kevin at Uncle Albert's Amp Repair here in Indianapolis. He replaced the cut power cord, jack, and all electrolytic capacitors but could not get any output from the tone generators and did not have a schematic available to do further work. He said the preamp now works and is very quiet.
When I had this on Ebay recently, a knowledgeable person suggested that, based on his experience with Combo Compacts, the lack of output may be due to a pinched output cable which is a pain to replace according to him because it is hardwired to the plug on the power supply. He also suggested you might be able to hear the organ through vintage headphones.
Last 2 photos show parts removed during servicing and the receipt with a description of the work done. Some of the removed caps have date codes of 6529, 6530, and 6535.
Asking $1,195 for this piece of rock and roll history but will consider a reasonable offer. Prefer local pickup to avoid shipping damage but will consider driving a reasonable distance to meet and deliver.