Rodgers 870 Cambridge

[crossyinoz]

Can any of the classic experts herein provide me with some info on this instrument. There is one for sale ex a church locally and all I know about the model is that it's transistor analogue, early 80's vintage, 61/61/32 keyboard configuration and has drawstops. I know nothing of its amp/speaker cab setup, and not being a classic player its stoplist. My only experience playing a classical electronic instrument wasdecades ago on a British "Burge" - a horrible thing that started life in a church in the Aussie Outback and sounded as if it was still full of desert sand when it got to me.</P>


If you guys think it's an OK instrument and the price is OK, I know just the church that should own it. But since it doesn't have tonewheels and a Leslie I'm flying blind.</P>


Cheers,</P>


Ian</P>

[Guest]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



This is definately a classical instrument. Many older Rodgers (including mine) came with a Leslie speaker as well as a regular speaker. The Leslie speaker on slow-rotation mode gives more body, but fast rotation gives it that "Leslie" sound. However, I am not sure if the model you are referring to comes with these. </P>


For a home practice instrument I think this would be a good choice. However, the organ is already very old, so I shouldn't think a church would just now want to receive an old used organ as their new instrument, even if the organ is good. </P>
<P mce_keep="true"></P>
<P mce_keep="true"></P>

[arie v]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



Hi Ian,</p>

If I am not mistaken this model has a floating small Positiv on it. If this is correct, this model, if in working condition is one of Rodgers' better efforts of the time. When properly setup, they can sound very good. This organ is much better than their little ones, as at least there were some musical resources in it, so hence less unification.</p>

Best to have access to a technician who is familiar with this type of organ.</p>

Cheers</p>

AV</p>

[Guest]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



Free Rodgers 870 in Toronto (Craigslist)... It looks pretty impressive if anything, wonder how these sound? I would love to have something like this sittingin my music room ! </P>



http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/msg/607418553.html</P>

[quantum]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



Does someone have footprint measurements and approx weight for this? Also what kind of speaker system would I need or does it have internal? I'd really like this one for home practise!!!</p>

BTW I'm interested in the Toronto organ, not the one Ian is after.
</p>

[arie v]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



NassauMike,</p>

Will wonders ever cease! I moved this particular instrument to this location maybe 5 to 8 years ago. It used to be in Bethesda U. C., but that church merged with several other congregations to form Jubilee United Church.</p>

Anyways, if I remember correctly, this instrument dates from about 1984.</p>

This organ was fully functioning when I unhooked it, and moved it. It also sounded surprisingly good for an organ of that vintage.</p>

Quantum,</p>

For spaced requirements, figure on a width of 66" and a depth of 60" (includes pedals and bench). My guess is that the console weighs about 500 lbs. Remember too, this organ has no internal speakers, and the external speakers are quite large.</p>

AV
</p>

[quantum]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



Arie, </p>

I seriously need a practise instrument for home. Although I would be interested in one with a smaller footprint, I'd be crazy not to at least consider this. It would have to share the same room as my 6 foot grand piano. </p>


What do you suppose is the minimum door width to get this in? I'd most likely get professional movers of course. </p>

Is it possible to change the speakers if there are space constraints? Is there a headphone jack?
</p>


</p>

[arie v]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



Quantum,</p>

I'm not sure what the depth of just the console is, but I would think it has to be somewhere around 34 or 35 inches. This is not a modern, very compact drawstop console. The other thing, you may want to keep in mind is that the internal workings of the organ are on big swing-out door panels. So for servicing, the organ has to be pulled quite a distance from the wall.</p>

As to different speakers - yes that can be done, but the sound will be unpredictable. These organs kind of depend on the Rodgers supplied speakers, as the organs were voiced using these speakers. If different speakers are used, the organ will definitely need to be re-voiced.</p>

AV
</p>

</p>

[quantum]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



Good to know about the service panels. I could put the organ on those easy slide Teflon feet, or whatever they are made of. </p>


Almost seems too good to be true, yet it might not fit! The room would be a bit squished. If it ends up not being good for my house I wonder about using it in the church hall or something as an alternate choir practise room.

</p>

[Guest]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



Isay take it and put it in your garage or your basement, if not - cut ininto doorway size chunksand glue it back together ! (j/king of course!) </P>


With today's technology,I don't see whya major brand like Rodgers, Allen or Johannusdon't make a smaller (but still AGO standard) keyboard type apparatus that ispleasant to look at, but maybe collapsable or made of boards of wood like IKEA furniture that can bescrewed together/taken apart easily by one person. I'm sure it would look pleasing to the eye andwould begreat for practise and could be moved from room to room without a crew of people,measuring tape and piano dollies. Yes, ClassicOrgan Works makes nice manual stacks and pedal boards, but it is not a complete instrument and looks pretty industrial/ugly unless you get creative... or own a wood mill - none of which I do! </P>

[quantum]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge



I was thinking of putting it in the garage if it didn't go in the door. My basement doesn't have an entrance door, otherwise I'd have to cut a hole in the floor if it doesn't fit down the staircase.

</p>


Now I'm wondering if I could take it apart if necessary to fit it in the door. This organ doesn't have tubes or other such dangerous monstrosities does it?
</p>

[quantum]

Re: Rodgers 870 Cambridge

Apparently there is a line. 7 people ahead of me are interested.