Synth Details

Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Compact Series (1964 - 1969)The Compact series had four models. On the Compact Duo dual manual organs, tone and volume were regulated by controls on the F/AR combination preamp, reverb and power supply unit. On most other models the tone controls and a bass section volume were located on an indented panel on the rear of the keyboard. Underneath the keyboards, a knee-high lever could be actuated for the tone boost feature, turned on by rocker levers on the console. All models had reverb except for the mini-compact. Optional feature: 13-note bass pedals (not for the mini-compact).[edit]Mini-compactThe Mini-Compact is the smallest of the Compact Series. It has only four octaves, with no bass on the early models. The later version had a selector switch to choose bass or acute sound in the lowest octave; these models had grey naturals with white sharps in the bass octave. Some of these extended bass models have only 3 voices, while the later models had 6 voices.Tan/Black TolexEarly model (Mini Compact, Mini Deluxe Compact) Three tone switches: Dolce, Principale, StringsLate model (Mini Deluxe I Compact): 16' Bass; 8' Flute, Oboe, String; 4' Flute and StringsThree footages: 16', 8', 4'Multi-tone Booster with knee trigger (also served as expression control).1/4" Headphone outputSwell (expression) pedal (optional)Removable legs which stored inside bottom cover (all other models have folding/pivoting non-removable legs)Solid State PreampThe model was used by Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Kate Radley of Spiritualized and by Steve Reich in his piece Four Organs.[edit]Early COMPACT (COMBO COMPACT)Features:Red/Black or Grey/Black TolexOne octave of bass with inverse key colors.16' Bass, Strings8' Flute, Oboe, Trumpet, Strings4' Flute, Piccolo, Strings4 vibrato settings3 reverb settings3 rockers for bass volumeMulti-Tone BoosterSwell (expression) pedal1/4" Headphone OutputTube preamp (2 12AX7s) and real spring reverb1/4" bass optional outputIndependent Bass and Treble 1/4" outputsBack panel adjustments for treble and bass tone as well as bass output volume.[edit]Late COMPACT (COMBO COMPACT I)Features:Same as Early Combo Compact except:Two inferior octaves (one black/white, one grey/white) on the left-hand side of the keyboard; one set of octaves were switch-controllable for choice of a bass or acute sound with bass note sustain and controllable bass percussion.Volume balance control between bass and treble on the front panel (trim pot as opposed to rockers of the earlier version)Sharp and Soft sound for the manual bassOnly backpanel adjustment is for bass output.[edit]Compact deluxeFeatures:Tan/Black tolexTwo inferior octaves (one black/white, one grey/white) on the left-hand side of the keyboard; one set of octaves were switch-controllable for choice of a bass or acute sound.Bass note sustain and soft/sharp controls.Independent controllable percussion for both bass and treble manuals.16' Bass, Strings8' Flute, Oboe, Trumpet, Strings4' Flute, Piccolo, Strings2-2/3' with independent brilliant tab4 vibrato settingsTube preamp (2 12AX7s) and real spring reverb3 reverb settingsMulti-Tone BoosterSwell (expression) pedal + knee control for Multi-Tone BoosterIndependent Bass and Treble 1/4" outputs1/4" Headphone OutputLate models (Combo Deluxe Compact I) also includes a Rhythm Section of Brush Cymbal and Drum[edit]Compact duoMost renowned of the Compact Series, having been used by Al Kooper (Blues Project), Michael MacNeil (Simple Minds), Richard Wright of Pink Floyd and Clint Boon of the Inspiral Carpets.Features:Grey/Black TolexFour-octave upper keyboard with 9 selectors: 16' Bass, Strings; 8' Flute, Oboe, Trumpet, Strings; 4' Flute, Strings; 2-2/3' (Flute), BrillianceFour-octave lower keyboard with three selectors: Dolce, Principale, Ottavo.Two inferior octaves on the left-hand side of the lower keyboard; one set of octaves were switch-controllable for choice of a bass or acute sound.4 vibrato settings3 reverb settingsMulti-Tone BoosterSwell (expression) pedal + knee control for Multi-Tone BoosterBass note volume control, sustain, sharp, and percussion.1/4" Bass outputLower manual volume controlBrilliance control which only works with the 2-2/3 (Flute) Tab.Later models also incorporate tremolo, percussion and repeat functions for both the upper and lower treble manuals independently.Unlike other Compact series organs, the Compat Duo models require a separate power supply/solid-state preamp/real spring reverb unit (called the Farfisa F/AR) to operate. The organ connects to the F/AR via a multi-lead cable. The cable on the American version used a 7-pin Amphenol connector, while European models used a Preh multipin. Treble output is only available via the F/AR. The Compact Duos could also operate directly (without the F/AR) with Farfisa Amplifier Models BR80 or Twin 80, which accept the 7-pin connector and provide the organ with power. The organs reverb switches activate the reverb in these two amplifier models. The Twin-80 and BR-80 had a TelRay (Adineko) reverb/echo unit (oilcan) built into the speaker cabinette.

In production: 
1960 - 1967
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