Allen Positiv

[cpistel]

Hi Guys,

Been a reader here for a while, but this is my first time posting.

By some great luck, I am in the process of acquiring an Allen ADC-5300A. I am excited, but I need to clear out an old Allen Positiv to make room. My question is how best to get the word out? I'd like to see it go and either live on as an Allen Positiv or become a console for a VPO or small pipe organ. I'm up in Massachusetts. Any comments on if it's even worth trying to find a new home for or should I just plan on scrapping it? If its worth offering, where's the best places to try to advertise it?

Thanks
Chris

[arie v]

Hi,

Your information given here is a bit sketchy. Is this organ an old analog instrument called "Positive", or is it a "Positive" - MDS series?

If you add a picture or two, that would help immensely in terms of info. and potential interest in the instrument.

AV

[cpistel]

Hi Arie,

Sorry about that. It's the old Schlicker style analog. Mechanical switching, 2 ranks of oscillators. I was thinking that the console style would lend itself to touch screen use better than a lot of console styles. Then the 5300A happened and here I am. I will post pictures of it over the weekend.

[toodles]

I believe the analog organ was "Positiv" without the final "e", with a speaker panel atop the console. I think that was detachable, but not sure.

[cpistel]

Toodles,

That's the one. Just a couple of little pins hold the top speaker on. The bass speakers are still in the bottom of the console. Just mids and highs in the removable portion. Quite an array of speakers. 1/2 Diapason and the other half dedicated to the Flute generators.

[hybridlover]

Would be interested in seeing some pics and a spec sheet. Is the organ in need of any major repairs or service?

[cpistel]

Here's a couple of photos:

[cpistel]

Sorry about the picture rotation. Not sure what happened there.

Here's a couple more of the stop list. It is just a 2 rank instrument. I checked it out yesterday. All stops and notes work. 2 known issues: one of the midrange speakers is a bit rattly. It's currently bypassed and I really cant notice the loss. Secondly, one of the power supplies has a problem. I just use a bench supply (12V) in its place. I do have the service manual and figure this is probably an easy fix.

[myorgan]

Now, that IS a blast from the past. When I first went to college (a few decades ago), that was the organ I was asked to use in the (unheated) practice shacks behind my dorm. Now that I see the stop list again, I remember wondering where the reeds were. As a performance major, it did come in handy for working on technique, though. There wasn't much to distract me.

Thanks so much for documenting this model in photos!

Michael

[cpistel]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the post. It's been a good little instrument. I feel the same way about the reeds, but it is surprising just how much you can do with the 2 ranks she has. :-> I was going to take it the Hauptwerk route, but fell backwards into the ADC 5300A and really couldn't say no to it. Unfortunately, only one can stay. Hoping to find a home for the Positiv because scrapping her will break my heart. Spread the word. lol.

Chris

[Kurzweil]

Chris, please give us an idea of your location. Transportation usually exceeds value when looking at costs. There may be a forum member a mere pickup ride away from your Allen. Looks like it would make a wonderful practice instrument for someone. The sparse modern integrated cabinet style works better in most homes than a traditional console with multiple speaker cabinets.

[cpistel]

Chris, please give us an idea of your location. Transportation usually exceeds value when looking at costs. There may be a forum member a mere pickup ride away from your Allen. Looks like it would make a wonderful practice instrument for someone. The sparse modern integrated cabinet style works better in most homes than a traditional console with multiple speaker cabinets.

Its located on Cape Cod. Harwich MA to be specific.

[twnelson]

Chris,

Sent you a PM (private message).

--- Tom

[cpistel]

Dimensions

[Guest]

When I was about 13, scarcely able to play my way out of a wet paper bag, I became the organist at a dual-congregation church (Episcopal and Presbyterian) that met in a re-purposed country club of some kind. The Allen Positiv was a hot new item then - early 70's, which means I am 58 y/o (!). I can still hear that sound in my head....partially, because in much later years, it reappeared in the downtown Cathedral...and I played upon it for the Consecration of a Bishop. Subsequently, the top speaker cabinet was removed and mounted on a front wall of the church, which improved things immensely.The Positiv remained on the Cathedral's main floor for many years, even after a new 54-rank Austin was installed in the choir loft. The Allen was used for "smaller" Masses for a while. Now it is gone, and a grand piano is in its place. I have very fond memories of my experiences with the Positiv. Thank you so much, cpistel, for the pictures. They've prompted quite a journey down "Memory Lane".

Mark