Electronic organ

The term“electronic organ” is generally used to describe a keyboard instrument. keyboard instrument with electronic sound generation. A specific analog or digital sound generation technology, design or size cannot be associated with the term and is always dependent on the respective state of the art and strongly user-related. The electromechanical organ, for example, is an electronic organ. Since the musician is more interested in the sound quality and the intended use of the musical instrument, the technology used takes a back seat. In colloquial language, it is also referred to as an electric organ (formerly also as an electronic organ).

The keyboard dimensions correspond to those of the piano, but with less inertia (unweighted keyboard). The number of keys is usually 61 (5 octaves), but there are also other values between 31 and 88 keys. The low playing resistance enables playing techniques that are difficult or impossible on a weighted keyboard.

History of the electronic organ

It was developed from its predecessors from the 1930s onwards. Until the advent of polyphonic synthesizers in the mid-1970s, it was one of the few electrophonic keyboard instruments with polyphonic sound production. The pipe organ initially served as a model for the development of the electronic organ: the keyboard (also multi-manual) and the designation of stop positions according to foot tones or in some cases according to stop names were adopted. Through constant further development and now also through the use of computer technology, the sound generation has been improved to such an extent that it can also be used as an electronic concert and sacred organ with high sound quality.

Tone or sound generation of the electronic organ

The first “electronic” organs, apart from the light-tone organ, were mainly electromechanical instruments such as the famous Hammond organwhich was designed by Laurens Hammond was invented. In this system, a mechanism generated a defined alternating electric current in the pickups. The sound was initially generated by cogwheels that induced sinusoidal electrical voltages in coils.

In contrast to pipe organs, the volume of each manual on these early instruments could be adjusted individually in nine stages using drawbars. There were usually nine drawbars per manual, representing different pitches. By pulling out and pushing in the drawbars, the volume of the sine tones could be influenced, which made a variety of timbres possible. This sound generation followed the principle of simple additive synthesis.

An essential component of the Hammond organ was the Leslie loudspeaker cabinet, which reproduced the sound via rotating loudspeakers and thus created additional beat and tremolo effects. The speed of rotation could be adjusted in two stages (slow/fast). Later, for reasons of space and weight, the electronic simulation of this effect with bucket brigade circuits was introduced. Examples of this are the Wersivoice from Wersi and the phasing rotor from Dr. Böhm. Dynacord developed rack effect units in the 80s and 90s that enabled the simulation of a Leslie cabinet and were widely used (CLS-22, CLS-222, DLS-223, DLS-300).

Playing technique of an electronic organ

The playing technique of an electronic organ offers a wide range of possibilities that are fascinating for beginners and experienced musicians alike. The basic techniques include playing on the keyboard, which works in a similar way to the piano, but allows for many more sound variations thanks to the stops that produce different timbres. Another important component is pedal playing, in which basses and chords are played with the feet. The interplay of hands and feet requires good coordination, especially for a balanced rhythm.

Finger exercises are essential to improve playing technique, as they increase the flexibility of the hands and improve precision. Chord playing and bass playing with the pedal are also among the basic skills of an organist. Registration, i.e. the skillful changing and combining of timbres, requires practice and creativity in order to develop a unique sound.

The electronic organ can be used in a variety of musical styles. In jazz, it often serves as a rhythmic foundation with plenty of room for improvisation, while in pop it produces a warm accompanying sound. In rock, on the other hand, it is often used as a solo instrument to create powerful and dynamic sounds.

For beginners, it is advisable to start with simple pieces and practise regularly. Lessons with an experienced teacher can be particularly helpful in refining your technique. You should also not be afraid to experiment with different sounds and techniques in order to exploit the full potential of the electronic organ.

Development of fully electronic (analog) sound generation

The beginnings of the fully electronic organ date back to the 1960s. The pioneering Böhm organ by Rainer Böhm was the first transistor organ in the world. It made it possible for amateurs to build their own organs using kits that could later be technically expanded. At the same time, Philips launched the Phililicorda AG 7500, an early fully electronic organ with a wider distribution. Electromechanical models from Jörgensen-Electronic were already known in the 1950s.

Home organs: Music for the living room

The home organ was developed especially for the living room and experienced its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s. With two manuals, a stub pedal, built-in amplifier and loudspeakers, it was ideal for domestic use. Registration was carried out using keys and switches that triggered different tones. Manufacturers such as Farfisa, Yamaha and Wersi offered models for different requirements from the lower to the upper range. Home organs integrated rhythm instruments, enabled solo performances and were used as “one-man orchestras”.

Concert organs: Virtuosity on the stage

The concert organ, a more elaborate version of the home organ, was used by outstanding organists for solo concerts, especially in the field of pop music. With up to three manuals and a full pedal, it met the high demands of top organists. Concert organs were rarely equipped with internal loudspeakers and required external amplifiers for performances in large halls or open-air events. Manufacturers such as Böhm, Roland, Yamaha and Wersi were prominent in this field. Jazz organist Jimmy Smith and contemporary artists such as Mambo Kurt contributed to the organ’s versatility and popularity.

Analog sacred organs: Harmonious sound in the church

Electronic organs found their way into churches early on to replace the elaborate pipe organs. These organs were specially tailored to the requirements of church music and were characterized by the use of analog filters to shape the sound. In contrast to house organs, sacred organs often had several channels and loudspeakers to create a multi-dimensional sound in the sacred space. Their harmonious sounds helped to enrich the musical atmosphere in churches and deepen the spiritual experience of the faithful.

Development of fully electronic (digital) sound production in various organ types

Organs for underground music: A variety of sounds for different styles

The Hammond organ stands for the classic “sine organ sound”, while modern organs from Yamaha, Wersi, Böhm, Lowrey or Roland are synonymous with orchestral organs. These instruments offer a wide range of traditional organ sounds in various styles as well as orchestral timbres. They are used for domestic use and as solo organs and consist of large serial instruments with two manuals of 61 keys each, one manual with 76 keys and hammer action or a polyphonic pedal with 30 keys.

Digital sacred organ: modern sound quality in sacred spaces

As a further development of its analog predecessor, the digital sacred organ has become firmly established over time. Formerly used as a practice instrument in private homes and smaller churches, modern digital sacred organs now offer impressive sound and reproduction quality. They not only simulate the disposition of pipe organs, but also the pressure resistance of mechanical church organs. Their low purchase price, their insensitivity to environmental influences and their wide range of tonal possibilities make them a serious alternative for larger churches and concert halls.

Hybrid organs: Tradition and innovation combined

Hybrid organs combine the advantages of digital and classical sound production. They acoustically superimpose two organs, but also present challenges such as tuning and mixing. In the USA, bass and reed stops are often digital, and effect stops can easily be realized electronically. Pipe organs are an innovative special form in which individual channels are generated electronically and routed to resonators that represent several pipes. This creates a unique combination of electronic sound generation and mechanical sound amplification.

List of famous electronic organ players

• Barbara Dennerlein
• Billy Preston
• Booker T. Jones
• Brian Auger
• Cory Henry
• Dr. Lonnie Smith
• George Duke
• Jimmy McGhee
• Jimmy McGriff
• Jimmy Smith
• Joey DeFrancesco
• Jon Lord
• Keith Emerson
• Larry Young
• Lonnie Smith
• Mambo Kurt
• Richard “Groove” Holmes
• Rhoda Scott

Manufacturer of electronic organs

• Boehm
• Casio
• Crumar
• Hammond
• Korg
• Kurzweil
• M-Audio
• North
• Roland
• Vox
• Wersi
• Yamaha

Costs for an electronic organ

The price of an electronic organ can vary greatly and depends on various factors. Above all, quality plays a decisive role: while entry-level models are available from around 300 euros, professional instruments from renowned manufacturers often cost significantly more. Brands such as Hammond, Korg or Yamaha are known for their high quality, but are also correspondingly more expensive than no-name products or lesser-known manufacturers.

Another important aspect is the organ’s features. The more keys, voices, effects and connection options the instrument offers, the higher the price usually is. A simple model with basic functions is significantly cheaper than an electronic organ with several manuals, extensive sound libraries and special effects. If you are looking for a vintage model, you should also be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets. **Vintage organs often enjoy cult status due to their rarity and unique sound and can be particularly expensive.

The price range for electronic organs is correspondingly wide. Entry-level models start at around 300 euros, but are usually more simply equipped. Mid-range instruments cost between 500 and 1500 euros. They often offer a larger selection of sounds and effects as well as extended connectivity options. Professional models, on the other hand, which are characterized by particularly high sound quality and extensive features, can cost several thousand euros. They are particularly popular with musicians who perform regularly or work in the studio work in the studio.

In addition to the purchase costs, the additional costs must also be taken into account. **Accessories such as pedals, stands or special loudspeakers can increase the overall price. Buying a second-hand organ is also worth considering, as you can often find models in good condition at a lower price.