Vox Continental combo organ (italian V301E model)
Last Update 05/12/2019
It ain't a Hammond organ, the Vox doesn't do much, but when you want
*that* sound... With all of the modern synths, ROMplers, clonewheels,
and MIDI
controllers in today's market one would ask why a cheesy outdated combo
organ from the late 1960s? I have yet
to hear a sample or clonewheel that does
justice to it. That vibrato is unique as the modulating waveform
is a
trapezoid shape - I have YET to see that waveshape offered on any
modern keyboard (except modular systems). The vibrato is a huge
contributor to the weedy sound of the Continental. Its high end shrill
just cuts through a wall of guitars. But good luck finding replacement
germanium transistors, which have a history of failing. Even if you
find them NOS or used, they are likely not in ideal condition as they
vary all over the map and you have to buy a surplus to sort out the
good ones. The biggest faults with germanium transistors is leakage and
thermal runaway, parameters that could not be controlled during the
fabrication process. They haven't been made since the 1970s as the
superior silicon base has replaced germanium as the standard for
transistors, and silicon transistors are not interchangeable with
germanium. Many Continentals out there are dead or dying so expect them
to need some TLC. As for fashion, the Vox Continental is probably the
flashiest keyboard ever made -
reverse color keys, grey and orange
tolex on the cabinet, and that famous chrome "Z" stand. It looks GREAT
on a stage, from any angle. It's far better in person than in an image.
Also be warned that Vox organs use an AC plug unlike anything I've
seen. Those organs are over 50 years old, and the AC cords would had
frayed beyond repair and no one seems to know where to get
replacements. It's a rather common problem. I put in a standard IEC
socket but kept the original plastic plate for original parts in case I
find a cord.
The model lineage of the Continental organs had changed over the years
due primarily to availability of parts as they go obsolete (especially
transistors and ICs). There are other internet resources out there that
present a good history that I won't repeat here. The first Continental
organs were made at the Vox factory in the UK, then contracted out to
other firms as demand outpaced the capacity at the UK factory. The
primary contractor was a firm in Italy (why do so many combo organs -
Farfisa, Panther, others - originate from Italy?!?). It is easy to tell
the UK models from the Italian models; the UK models use wood keys and
the crossbars for the legs terminate at a single point on the back of
the organ, while the Italian models use hollow plastic keyshells and
the crossbars terminate at two points. The plastic keyshells come loose
and are often missing. The electronics are not interchangeable between
them. While the drawbar tabs on the UK model are white and dark ruby
colored, on the Italian model they are white and black. While they are
both badged Vox Continental, they have different model numbers. My
specimen is the Italian model. The legacy models that are in demand
were made in the 1960s. As Vox was acquired by other companies
throughout the 1970s, the Continental went through changes of design
and features, and the later organ do not command the vintage prices of
the legacy era. Korg - who owned the Vox trademark - reissued the
Continental organ with modern features but the sound is nowhere near
the original.
The Continental packs up very nicely and is easy to carry (try THAT
with a vintage Hammond). I happened
to find this one in a pawnshop and talked the proprietor into a great
bargain. All the keys were intact, all the legs, the original volume
pedal, and the carrying case for the legs were all there. The only
missing original items were the AC cord and the Vox badge on the front
of the organ. The electrolytic caps on the power supply had burst and
several germanium PNP transistors were blown. Be careful buying a
Connie unseen - the plastic keys and drawbar tabs get brittle with age,
and an Italian Connie with a complete keyset is a rare find. They're
worth much less without the legs. Wingbolts for the legs aren't too
hard to find at any well stocked hardware store. NorthCoastMusic.com
stocks some reproduction parts. Expect some repairs to get one working,
these things are over a half century old. A completely original
Continental (including original AC cord) is very rare. I don't take
mine out to gigs anymore because the tolex is getting brittle and
easily torn. It's still in decent shape as it is but I don't want to go
to the effort of re-tolexing the thing. In its day, the Continental was
enthusiastically greeted with open arms as it was the first keyboard
that was styled for rock-n-roll. It appeared on many pop records of the
1960s. The notable examples are "House of the Rising Sun" by the
Animals, the artificial-stimulant-influenced epic "InDaGaddaVaDida",
and early songs by The Doors. I don't use it for 60s cover material;
I've found ways to use it in rock (even baroque!). It's very effective
as a rhythm instrument when put through the old chrome Morley Wah
pedal (instant "Won't Get Fooled Again"). All the shrill that oozes
from a Connie is prime material for
wah wah pedals. Other than that you can't get a great variety of
sounds. Sounds great through a Leslie cabinet. With some digital
reverb, it even sounds decent playing Bach
organ fugues on it (!)
I no longer own this instrument. During 2021, I was preparing for
a major relocation to a new
job/new state and because of the volume of belongings to be moved
(and the desire to fit into a smaller house) I decided to purge
furniture, clothes, books, and even music gear. Also contributing
to this decision was the fact this instrument was used very little or
not at all since I acquired it.
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