I don't play-but at some point would like to.Its just getting an organ to play.They are kinda scarce here.Folks in my area are not into organs.They would say-"oh thats what you have in church.""You want one at home?"I say--"YES"!!All my time have done lots of LISTENING-but no playing-except for a few roll or book organs.Those I can play-just put the roll or book in the keyframe and let the organ play!I knew a fellow that had a Wurlitzer 105 band organ and a Mortier book type dance hall organ.Was fun playing those.At that time was living in an apartment-no way could I have an organ there.And the Mortier was HUGE--would have to live in that-instead of the apartment.Those were sort of neat and thrilling to play.The sound of the motors pumping the bellows was cool-neat "breathing" sounds.And I would go to Glen Echo park in Wash DC-ride the Dentzel Merry Go Round and ---LISTEN TO THE Wurlitzer 165!!Often for hours!So at this stage just hope we can score on the lottery--then maybe I can get an organ of some sort.Listened to a CD of a Rodgers electronic "theater"organ from 1998-sounded really good!!!Wonder what those would be like now!An early digital "sampler" instrument.The picture of it in the CD case just shows the console-there are no speakers-you don't see any grill for them on the Rodgers organ case.Guess the amps and speakers are separate.Will research these on the 'net.This disk was one I haden't played that came with a large boxful of organ CD's from the Chocowinty,NC swap shop.Then there are the organ videos on YouTube!Listen to those,as well.
Lowrey Prestige Organ...
- Thread starter danorob1
- Start date
danorob1
Well-known member
Hi Rex -
It is funny how times have changed -
We have always had two big malls locally - There were at least two or three organ stores in every mall - Never mind the stand alone company owned stores -
Now Nothing - I had to drive over an hour to get the the only Lowrey dealer in the state - There are also NO real Piano stores either - Years ago, they would sell both instruments - No More -
While organs may have fallen out of favor with the public overall, you can not change the fact that they still sell - I went down for this weeks "how to use it" class at my Lowrey dealer, and 4 different organs had sold signs on them and were waiting to be delivered - One Rhapsody like mine, A Stardust, A Sterling, and a brand new Inspire EY400 -
Actually the person who had purchased the Inspire was in the class - She was trading in a Sterling for it - She said the Sterling was to complicated and she wanted something smaller - She had no problem telling everyone that she thought it would be the best $30,000.00 that she had spent -
She said since her husband passed, she only does three things - a 40-day cruise every year, a new Mercedes every two years, and a new Lowrey when they come out every year…
All I could think was "good for you honey" - Life if too short - Enjoy it while you can - (and if you can afford it),,,
Dan
It is funny how times have changed -
We have always had two big malls locally - There were at least two or three organ stores in every mall - Never mind the stand alone company owned stores -
Now Nothing - I had to drive over an hour to get the the only Lowrey dealer in the state - There are also NO real Piano stores either - Years ago, they would sell both instruments - No More -
While organs may have fallen out of favor with the public overall, you can not change the fact that they still sell - I went down for this weeks "how to use it" class at my Lowrey dealer, and 4 different organs had sold signs on them and were waiting to be delivered - One Rhapsody like mine, A Stardust, A Sterling, and a brand new Inspire EY400 -
Actually the person who had purchased the Inspire was in the class - She was trading in a Sterling for it - She said the Sterling was to complicated and she wanted something smaller - She had no problem telling everyone that she thought it would be the best $30,000.00 that she had spent -
She said since her husband passed, she only does three things - a 40-day cruise every year, a new Mercedes every two years, and a new Lowrey when they come out every year…
All I could think was "good for you honey" - Life if too short - Enjoy it while you can - (and if you can afford it),,,
Dan
Dan, you are very fortunate that you can play by ear! I cannot do that. I only have 3 songs that I can play from memory - Spanish Eyes (the very first song I ever played back as a teenager), Jingle Bells and Heart & Soul LOL
At one time, Lowrey used to put on the HOH (Home Organ Holiday) convention once a year in Chicago. I think they did it for about 11-12 years and then quit doing them 3-4 years ago, probably because it got to be too expensive for them. Now Dennis Awe puts on his 'spectacular' once a year in different cities. I have been to 2 HOH. The first was in 2007...I just went for one day. I was fortunate that there were tours of the Lowrey factory that year so I got to see the entire process of organs being built from beginning to end. It was obvious that everyone put a lot of care into their job. There were about 700 people at the convention, I think I must have been the youngest one there at age 48 LOL Talking with people during the meals it was obvious that people had spent a lot of money on Lowreys. Most people had owned several, trading up every time a new model came out. Most of them lived near dealers, took lessons and belonged to the Lowrey L.I.F.E. program where they could get together on a regular basis with other Lowrey owners. In 2009 I went back for the full 3 day convention. It was great to hear all the Lowrey artists play as well as be able to see and play all the current models. They had a room with all the models on display and anyone could sit down to try them out. The best part that there was no selling allowed, no salesman, no pressure to buy, etc. They also had classes during the day on how to get the most out of the organ.
Gary
At one time, Lowrey used to put on the HOH (Home Organ Holiday) convention once a year in Chicago. I think they did it for about 11-12 years and then quit doing them 3-4 years ago, probably because it got to be too expensive for them. Now Dennis Awe puts on his 'spectacular' once a year in different cities. I have been to 2 HOH. The first was in 2007...I just went for one day. I was fortunate that there were tours of the Lowrey factory that year so I got to see the entire process of organs being built from beginning to end. It was obvious that everyone put a lot of care into their job. There were about 700 people at the convention, I think I must have been the youngest one there at age 48 LOL Talking with people during the meals it was obvious that people had spent a lot of money on Lowreys. Most people had owned several, trading up every time a new model came out. Most of them lived near dealers, took lessons and belonged to the Lowrey L.I.F.E. program where they could get together on a regular basis with other Lowrey owners. In 2009 I went back for the full 3 day convention. It was great to hear all the Lowrey artists play as well as be able to see and play all the current models. They had a room with all the models on display and anyone could sit down to try them out. The best part that there was no selling allowed, no salesman, no pressure to buy, etc. They also had classes during the day on how to get the most out of the organ.
Gary
Besides Lowrey-was looking at other organs available out there-Found both Allen and Rodgers has a LOT of cinema style organs-but---NO PRICES.Rodgers/Roland has a home model sort of like the Lowrey under the name of Atelier.Looks like a nice instrument under their descriptions-but no list of dealers or any idea of prices.Don't get how these things sell?And of course no dealer here to visit.Of course and organ is like many other things-you want to see,listen to it before buying,and yes,try it.Does the place selling it have lessons or instructions-like the same idea of places that sell sewing machines-they usually have lessons-often free--on the one you are buying.What good is the sewing machine or organ if you don't know how to use it?The Allen cinema organs appear to be REALLY nice-one model is 5 manual and has a 1600W sound system.The tone cabinets and amps are separate from the console.
danorob1
Well-known member
Hi Rex -
My Lowrey Dealer is also a Roland Dealer - They are the two brands he sells -
He has all the Roland Models as well -
We did try a AT-900 Atelier Platinum Edition The Price was $59,999.00 - still $10k less then the Lowrey -
It sounded great to me, but DID NOT have the depth, Base, Punch, what ever term you would like to use of the Lowrey Organs - Again - New they are out of my reach -
Dan
My Lowrey Dealer is also a Roland Dealer - They are the two brands he sells -
He has all the Roland Models as well -
We did try a AT-900 Atelier Platinum Edition The Price was $59,999.00 - still $10k less then the Lowrey -
It sounded great to me, but DID NOT have the depth, Base, Punch, what ever term you would like to use of the Lowrey Organs - Again - New they are out of my reach -
Dan
In North America, Lowrey and Roland seem to be the 2 prominant brands although there are others. In Europe, Wersi and Bohm are very popoular while Lowrey is popular in the UK. The Roland AT900 has a lot of nice features, some say more than what is available on the Lowrey. I've heard people says that have owned Lowreys and then bought a Roland, that the Roland is more difficult to set up...you can't just sit right down and play. I guess it is not as user friendly. I think the Roland is meant more for the person that likes to 'tinker' with their registrations rather than use a lot of presets. Some say that the solo instrument sounds on the Roland are much better than the Lowrey....all a matter of personal taste. I've seen new AT900s advertised for in the $30K range...I think they are quite a bit less expensive than the Lowreys.
Gary
Gary
danorob1
Well-known member
Interesting Gary -
Goes to prove that the dealers do set the prices -
Now - I did make type in my post above, and it should have read $49,999 on the Roland, not $59,999 - the $49k price i was given on the Roland was from a sales person, not the owner - ( I was getting ready to leave for the dentist and did not double check my posting )
When I was just in I asked the actual owner about the "Real" price if I wanted to get the liberty he had on the floor - He gave me a price in the high teens, ( close to $20,000 ) and that was with giving me credit on what I just paid him for the Rhapsody back on a trade -
Again - there is a lot of wiggle room - And Yes - They did say that setting up the Roland was not as simple as the Lowrey - More professionals purchased the Roland, more home players purchased the Lowrey -
Dan
Goes to prove that the dealers do set the prices -
Now - I did make type in my post above, and it should have read $49,999 on the Roland, not $59,999 - the $49k price i was given on the Roland was from a sales person, not the owner - ( I was getting ready to leave for the dentist and did not double check my posting )
When I was just in I asked the actual owner about the "Real" price if I wanted to get the liberty he had on the floor - He gave me a price in the high teens, ( close to $20,000 ) and that was with giving me credit on what I just paid him for the Rhapsody back on a trade -
Again - there is a lot of wiggle room - And Yes - They did say that setting up the Roland was not as simple as the Lowrey - More professionals purchased the Roland, more home players purchased the Lowrey -
Dan
It would be really interesting to know what the dealer pays Lowrey for a Liberty. I'm assuming that all dealers pay the say price to Lowrey and then each dealer sets their price. That may not be true of course. Lowrey may also give 'deals' to dealers that move a lot of inventory (like Fletcher's in Florida).
Gary
Gary
Back to where we started-all of these organs are so overpriced.No way I am going to pay new car prices for an organ.Organ project to me going to be abandoned.Just too expensive.Settle for listening to my CDs,records,and YouTube.Can think of other ways for entertainment-like collecting vacuum cleaners and other things!
Ebay, craigslist, etc. are your best bet for getting a very inexpensive organ.
Gary
Gary
danorob1
Well-known member
Hi Rex -
I agree with Gary - You can find some very good deals on E-Bay, Craigslist, or even the dealer -
We know that when they are new, they are trying to sell them for what probably equates to 5-7 times of the bill of material costs to built it - I would not even pay $30,000.00 for a brand new one - Not worth the money - In something this costly, a second hand is the only way to go...
To me it is no different then buying a car - I ended up purchasing a new 2014 Honda, and paid $1,370.00 LESS then the sticker price - Was it a perfect deal - I doubt it, but it made me happy -
The sounds on the Rhapsody that I purchased, are the same voices and sounds that are on the Newest Liberty - We compared them back to back - and Mine was Manufactured on 08/25/2005…
Does the Liberty have MORE voices and sounds then mine - Yes -
Does the Liberty have a better actual sound then mine - NO -
Are the few extra features worth the money - NO -
My organ is mint condition - Not a mark on the cabinet any where - Everything works as if it was built only yesterday - (now that the pedal board was rebuilt) -
I have a extended warranty from an authorized Lowrey Daler - It was delivered and tested by the Lowrey Dealer - If anything happens for the next few years, I will be covered, and have no doubt he will make it right…
Did I pay more then I would have on E-bay or Craigslist? I am sure I did - But those few extra dollars got me the one thing I could not get off of crags list or E-Bay… Piece of mind for the next few years to come…
Dan
I agree with Gary - You can find some very good deals on E-Bay, Craigslist, or even the dealer -
We know that when they are new, they are trying to sell them for what probably equates to 5-7 times of the bill of material costs to built it - I would not even pay $30,000.00 for a brand new one - Not worth the money - In something this costly, a second hand is the only way to go...
To me it is no different then buying a car - I ended up purchasing a new 2014 Honda, and paid $1,370.00 LESS then the sticker price - Was it a perfect deal - I doubt it, but it made me happy -
The sounds on the Rhapsody that I purchased, are the same voices and sounds that are on the Newest Liberty - We compared them back to back - and Mine was Manufactured on 08/25/2005…
Does the Liberty have MORE voices and sounds then mine - Yes -
Does the Liberty have a better actual sound then mine - NO -
Are the few extra features worth the money - NO -
My organ is mint condition - Not a mark on the cabinet any where - Everything works as if it was built only yesterday - (now that the pedal board was rebuilt) -
I have a extended warranty from an authorized Lowrey Daler - It was delivered and tested by the Lowrey Dealer - If anything happens for the next few years, I will be covered, and have no doubt he will make it right…
Did I pay more then I would have on E-bay or Craigslist? I am sure I did - But those few extra dollars got me the one thing I could not get off of crags list or E-Bay… Piece of mind for the next few years to come…
Dan
Agree on the REAL TONEWHEEL Hammonds-NOT the "imitation" electronic ones sold now.Both musicians and recording studios are paying BIG money towards those vintage Hammonds.The electromechanical tonewheel system call always be repaired or rebuilt.The electronics in the Hammonds are nothing more than amplifiers and tone shapers.To get an idea how a tonewheel organ works-simply wave a screwdriver near a tape deck playback head-you will hear the sound thru the machines speaker.Do this to test tape machines.Now if you could move that screwdriver rapidly-you would get a tone!
EBay and Craigslist-AVOID those--too much horsedealing going on on those!Too easy for a sellor to make a quick buck at your expense.And you don't know what you are getting.At least with a dealer you have an idea what you are getting,a warrantee,delivory,and possibly lessons.But,alas, no more paino and organ dealers here anymore.Offtimes like with cars--too much horsetrading going on there,too.HATE THAT-just want buy and move on.
EBay and Craigslist-AVOID those--too much horsedealing going on on those!Too easy for a sellor to make a quick buck at your expense.And you don't know what you are getting.At least with a dealer you have an idea what you are getting,a warrantee,delivory,and possibly lessons.But,alas, no more paino and organ dealers here anymore.Offtimes like with cars--too much horsetrading going on there,too.HATE THAT-just want buy and move on.
danorob1
Well-known member
Hey Guys -
I started this whole YouTube thing over again now that I finally have a real digital video camera -
Hope you like this one… One of my favorite songs...
Dan
I started this whole YouTube thing over again now that I finally have a real digital video camera -
Hope you like this one… One of my favorite songs...
Dan
danorob1
Well-known member
And One More…
Very Good! Your new camera records your organ well!
Well done Dan! Looks like you've really got the hang of the Rhapsody.
Gary
Gary
danorob1
Well-known member
Thank You Rex & Gary…
It's funny Gary - Once you start getting the hang of modifying the setting, it starts to get a little easier - The hard part is trying to remember a setup that you like, and created from scratch -
The other issue is that it is so easy to hit one wrong button, and undo everything you did up to that point -
The greatest part though is that you can sit at almost any Lowrey, and they all work pretty much the same - maybe a few differences, but the basics all carried forward -
Still loving it every day….
My only challenge now it to try and hunt down the Matching Lowrey Music Cabinet in Oak - Seems that the corporate office sold off the last one about a year ago, and they did not make a whole lot to start… I may post on the Lowrey forum to see if any dealers still have one...
Dan
It's funny Gary - Once you start getting the hang of modifying the setting, it starts to get a little easier - The hard part is trying to remember a setup that you like, and created from scratch -
The other issue is that it is so easy to hit one wrong button, and undo everything you did up to that point -
The greatest part though is that you can sit at almost any Lowrey, and they all work pretty much the same - maybe a few differences, but the basics all carried forward -
Still loving it every day….
My only challenge now it to try and hunt down the Matching Lowrey Music Cabinet in Oak - Seems that the corporate office sold off the last one about a year ago, and they did not make a whole lot to start… I may post on the Lowrey forum to see if any dealers still have one...
Dan
When you create a registration that you like you should save it to one of the banks and then save it to disk....the Rhapsody does have a diskette doesn't it?
You are right that all the Lowreys basically work the same way so it is easy to move from one model to another.
Gary
You are right that all the Lowreys basically work the same way so it is easy to move from one model to another.
Gary
danorob1
Well-known member
Hi Gary -
Yes - it has the Drive that all the SU series have, and those before and after as well - I have just not had the time to take out the book to read how to save them - I actually have not even taken out of the book to figure out how to memorize them to the bank presets on the organ itself…
Hans - RE: More - I love that song as well - Obviously I like playing it in a little more in a jazzy style vs the more original spanish style - I have had to play that song since I was 8 or 9 years old… Every time my parents had company over !!!
In the last twenty years i only played it once a year if I was lucky, but amazingly that is played from memory - I have no sheet music for that song - That it why there are a few subtle differences from the original… I am 48 years old, so my memory is not the same as when I was a little…
Dan
Yes - it has the Drive that all the SU series have, and those before and after as well - I have just not had the time to take out the book to read how to save them - I actually have not even taken out of the book to figure out how to memorize them to the bank presets on the organ itself…
Hans - RE: More - I love that song as well - Obviously I like playing it in a little more in a jazzy style vs the more original spanish style - I have had to play that song since I was 8 or 9 years old… Every time my parents had company over !!!
In the last twenty years i only played it once a year if I was lucky, but amazingly that is played from memory - I have no sheet music for that song - That it why there are a few subtle differences from the original… I am 48 years old, so my memory is not the same as when I was a little…
Dan
Hi Dan,
Saving a registration to a bank preset is very easy on the Prestige. I'm thinking it is probably similiar on the Rhapsody. Just press Memory, then select the Bank (A, B, C, D, E), then the number (1 - 10), then press memory again.
Gary
Saving a registration to a bank preset is very easy on the Prestige. I'm thinking it is probably similiar on the Rhapsody. Just press Memory, then select the Bank (A, B, C, D, E), then the number (1 - 10), then press memory again.
Gary
PS. I have a version of More that I did when I had my Lowrey Majesty. I don't think that files can be attached here but if you go to the website in the link, click on 'Music' at the top, then on the left hand side click on model LX510 Majesty you will see my name on the right side with some of my songs including More. I also have some under A5000 Prestige.
http://www.lowreyforum.com
http://www.lowreyforum.com
danorob1
Well-known member
Hi Gary -
Very nicely done… Like I said, "MORE" has always been one of my favorite songs…
I actually spent quite a while listening to most of them…
I really enjoyed it…
You should post some of them here, or on youtube…
Dan
Very nicely done… Like I said, "MORE" has always been one of my favorite songs…
I actually spent quite a while listening to most of them…
I really enjoyed it…
You should post some of them here, or on youtube…
Dan
Thanks Dan. It has been awhile since I've recorded anything. I do have one video on youtube that I did back in 2011 - Stones by Neil Diamond. I seem to get a case of stage fright as soon as I turn on the recorder LOL
Gary
Gary
poconovacman
Well-known member
Nice job with the Lowrey. Absolutely the farthest thing possible from my own cup of tea, but you really seem to love it and you play very well!
This is what graces a (very large!) corner of my living room.
A 1981 Allen Digital Computer Organ, System 705-DK
This is what graces a (very large!) corner of my living room.
A 1981 Allen Digital Computer Organ, System 705-DK
Very nice rendidtion of the song "Stones'!!
Matt?Can you play your Digital Allen organ for us-would love to listen to it!
Matt?Can you play your Digital Allen organ for us-would love to listen to it!
The Lowrey organ was made famous in 1971 when Pete Townshend recorded the iconic intro of The Who's "Baba O'Riley" with one. Four years earlier, a Lowrey organ made its presence known immediately on The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."
~Ben
~Ben
Thanks Rex. I just realized when I looked at that video again, that it was done on my previous Lowrey model - the Stardust and not my current organ which is the Prestige. I should get out the camcorder again and try to do another video.
Gary
Gary
Re Organ Music...
I have always been a organ music nut,I have almost all of Earl Grants albums, tons of Jesse Crawford,Eddie Layton,Ethel Smith,Bob Ralston,Bill Doggett,Eddie Weaver,Buddy Cole,Dick Hyman, and on and on..probably about 250 or so albums,mostly Hammond organ stuff, but also Wurlitzer theatre organ..but I also have tons of albums of gospel groups and choirs with organ on them,some of the best of them are the African American choirs and groups from the 50s and 60s such as Clara Ward , Mahailia Jackson,etc.
I have always been a organ music nut,I have almost all of Earl Grants albums, tons of Jesse Crawford,Eddie Layton,Ethel Smith,Bob Ralston,Bill Doggett,Eddie Weaver,Buddy Cole,Dick Hyman, and on and on..probably about 250 or so albums,mostly Hammond organ stuff, but also Wurlitzer theatre organ..but I also have tons of albums of gospel groups and choirs with organ on them,some of the best of them are the African American choirs and groups from the 50s and 60s such as Clara Ward , Mahailia Jackson,etc.
