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Hello! I am trying to decide between building a virtual pipe organ (VPO) console, for which I already have a few basic components, and purchasing a full console.
At this time, I have the opportunity to pick up what appears to be a custom 2m Rodgers 838 / 838M Masterpiece organ with 42 mechanical drawknobs for under $600. The only catch is that it doesn't work, and so I would need to put another $300 - $500 into it to convert it to MIDI. It was built in late 2003. Though this is a custom / prototype instrument, it is most similar / almost identical to this console.
Ideally I would like a 3m instrument, possibly with more drawknobs. I do have on hand three additional Fatar TP6 / TP60 tracker touch, wood core keyboards that I purchased from the estate sale of a deceased Johannus dealer a couple years ago, and so I could add one of those as a third manual.
This is a very beautiful console. But I am trying to figure out if it is right for me. Also note that I am 6'4" tall, and my knees almost never fit beneath the lowest manual. This Rodgers instrument is slightly concerning in this regard in that there is wood beneath the lowest manual (Johannus does this too), whereas most Allen consoles as well as traditional pipe organ consoles tend to have more space there (the wood is set back several inches).
Another option available to me is a nonworking Allen Model 1500 (MOS-1-early digital vintage) with 76 mechanical drawknobs and three manuals. This instrument does not have that piece of wood beneath the lowest manual. But it is also $1,000 more. I also want to make sure I am not getting junk drawknobs. I recently passed on a a set of 50 or so Wicks drawknobs (for only $100!) because they were of an unusual design, and it was advised that I stay away from them.
At this time, I have the opportunity to pick up what appears to be a custom 2m Rodgers 838 / 838M Masterpiece organ with 42 mechanical drawknobs for under $600. The only catch is that it doesn't work, and so I would need to put another $300 - $500 into it to convert it to MIDI. It was built in late 2003. Though this is a custom / prototype instrument, it is most similar / almost identical to this console.
Ideally I would like a 3m instrument, possibly with more drawknobs. I do have on hand three additional Fatar TP6 / TP60 tracker touch, wood core keyboards that I purchased from the estate sale of a deceased Johannus dealer a couple years ago, and so I could add one of those as a third manual.
This is a very beautiful console. But I am trying to figure out if it is right for me. Also note that I am 6'4" tall, and my knees almost never fit beneath the lowest manual. This Rodgers instrument is slightly concerning in this regard in that there is wood beneath the lowest manual (Johannus does this too), whereas most Allen consoles as well as traditional pipe organ consoles tend to have more space there (the wood is set back several inches).
Another option available to me is a nonworking Allen Model 1500 (MOS-1-early digital vintage) with 76 mechanical drawknobs and three manuals. This instrument does not have that piece of wood beneath the lowest manual. But it is also $1,000 more. I also want to make sure I am not getting junk drawknobs. I recently passed on a a set of 50 or so Wicks drawknobs (for only $100!) because they were of an unusual design, and it was advised that I stay away from them.
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