New Rodger Models/Ranges

[nullogik]

I don't know if some of you know but Rodgers have introduced some new models to their line up:</p>

Prelude Edt - Trillium Masterpiece Series</p>

These are two and three manual stop tab organs, based on their Trillium range - but at a lower price point. Models will be introduced sometime in the first half of 2008.
</p>

Looks like this is to take on the likes of the Allen QL (Quantum Lumitech) series of instruments which have been around for a few years now and are based on Quantum technology but with LED stop tabs instead. </p>

Trillium Masterpiece Series - Medallion Edt</p>

Based on the Trillium series, these will have wooden keyboards, different wood finishes, piston sequencer, "fresh" new samples and 100 internal memory levels. This series of instruments will be available in a variety of sizes and styles.</p>

Could this be a take on the Allen Elite? A new, higher end Rodgers perhaps for those congregations with deep pockets.</p>

Compact Model - 538MD 27</p>

A new compact non-AGO organ, suitable for the home or small installation. Features two manuals, "simple" stop list, 27 note pedalboard, orchestral sounds &amp; flute tremulants.</p>

</p>

Pictured: Trillium Medallion Edt</p>

Note: more info from Rodgers official site (recently spruced up). It now features a forum too...</p>

[MarkS]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



I don't see all those new models on the US website. What is obvious? No Insignia models and just one Allegiant are remaining. I'll bet those new "Prelude Edit" models are replacing the Italian-built models. Will they be made in the US?</P>


With the Euro worth $1.55 or more (remember a few years ago when it was down to 84 cents) has Rodgers given up on outsourcing to Italy?</P>


After the sale of Eastern Research it was hard to believe that Allen would be able to survive. The weakness of the dollar must be a real hopeful sign for the folks in Macungie.</P>

[arie v]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



Nullogik,</p>

I am not a Rodgers insider by any means, but I don't think your info. is 100% correct. Here is my take.</p>

Trillium Prelude - I think is just a single model - basically a stripped down 788.</p>

Trillium Medallion - I don't think is any more than fancy console appointments and a few upscale features of the higher end Trillium models. </p>

I think all the 2 manual Insignia and Allegiant models (at least in North America) will be discontinued.</p>

The new Compact 538 - looks to me like it is coming from the Viscount factory. At least the pedalboard and casework looks the spittin image of the Viscount Vivace stuff.</p>

I would imagine 1 or 2 new Allegiant models to replace the discontinued ones.</p>

I seriously doubt that at this juncture that it makes much sense for Rodgers (or Roland) to be building organs in Italy, and then float them across, considering the sorry state of the US dollar vs the Euro. </p>

I'm sure it is of some relief to Allen and Rodgers that the dollar has gotten so low vs most other currencies, but at least in the US, the price lists of various vendors have not changed near enough to reflect the change. In other words, there are folks out there trying to sell organs at very little profit these days.</p>

On top of that, sales of new instruments is still on the decline.</p>

These are trying times in the organ patch.</p>

BTW, I understand (at least in North America), that pianos, digital pianos, keyboard sales are also down.</p>

Oh well, maybe I should start playing the guitar.</p>

AV</p>

[nullogik]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges

[quote user="arie v"]

Nullogik,</p>

I am not a Rodgers insider by any means, but I don't think your info. is 100% correct. Here is my take.[/quote] </p>

I hope it is, since I got this info straight from the Rodgers official website [:|]</p>

[quote user="arie v"]
</p>

Trillium Prelude - I think is just a single model - basically a stripped down 788.[/quote]</p>

Here is what Rodgers say about their Prelude models:</p>

"Rodgers revealed a Prelude Edition of the popular two- and three-manual
tab stop organs in the Trillium Masterpiece Series. Prelude Edition
consoles offer the same stunning sound, cutting-edge technology, pipe
compatibility and immense range of custom options as Trillium
Masterpiece Series, but at a lower price point. The Prelude Edition
will expand to selected models in the Masterpiece line in 2008." </p>

Notice they say that it is based on two and three manual organs and that it will expand to several models during 2008 - perhaps one model initially but from how I interpret it, the Prelude Edt won't be unique ie. there is more to come. I see this as an equivalent to the Allen QL series.
</p>

[quote user="arie v"]
Trillium Medallion - I don't think is any more than fancy console appointments and a few upscale features of the higher end Trillium models. [/quote]</p>

Totally agree, but I think this is partly an answer to Allen's Elite, ie releasing a new top end - fancy organ based on existing technology.
</p>

[quote user="arie v"]
</p>

I think all the 2 manual Insignia and Allegiant models (at least in North America) will be discontinued.</p>

The new Compact 538 - looks to me like it is coming from the Viscount factory. At least the pedalboard and casework looks the spittin image of the Viscount Vivace stuff. [/quote]</p>

I don't know about these models (2 man Insignia &amp; Allegiant), the website didn't mention anything about them. Interesting that they appear to partnering up with Viscount, it'll be interesting to see what this model turns out like.
</p>

Source of info:</p>

http://www.rodgersinstruments.com/newProductsAtNAMM</p>

</p>

[arie v]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



Hi,</p>

Pretty soon Rodgers will have more editions and organ models than organs they build.</p>

AV</p>

[nullogik]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



Indeed! [:)]
</p>

Obviously sales numbers are quite well hidden by the respective companies, but does anyone know how well Rodgers do in terms of sales to their nearest competitor, Allen?</p>

Here in the UK, we have Allens galore. Well, certainly where I live. But I can count on one hand all the Rodgers installations I know about in the same vicinity. Our local organ dealer has just given up selling Rodgers, because in the last year he has sold zip. Whereas he's sold many Allens and quite a few other European makes too.
</p>

[arie v]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



Nullogik,</p>

Since Allen has gone private and Rodgers is merely a book entry in Roland's books, my guess is that sales numbers are hard to come by.</p>

Several years ago I heard that Allen's numbers were around a thousand units and Rodgers about 900 units. How true those numbers are for 2007 or 2008 I don't know.</p>

Also, markets tend to quite different. North America is strongly pro Allen and Rodgers, with Johannus also doing a fair amount of business. A-G and Viscount are also represented, but in much smaller numbers. </p>

In Europe, the numbers are quite different. Johannus is very strong there, and also Viscount sells a lot. Ahlborn and Content are smaller sellers. </p>

In total numbers, Johannus and Viscount both make and sell more units than Allen or Rodgers. One difference is that Allen and Rodgers both sells many more large (i.e. expensive) organs compared to Johannus or Rodgers. </p>

Here in North America, it seems to make a difference who the dealer is, or if there is an active foot soldier selling. So, in some areas it is either Rodgers or Allen, not both, as one or other is not represented locally. Both Allen and Rodgers have a few very strong dealers, who are long term committed people, who really care about the product and as a consequence do very well.</p>

With the American economy in slow mode, I can't imagine that organ sales are brisk for anyone.</p>

AV</p>

</p>

[organist777]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



[quote user="arie v"]</p>

With the American economy in slow mode, I can't imagine that organ sales are brisk for anyone.</p>

[/quote]</p>

===========</p>

In many areas in the Southeastern US states, the economy is not in the least "slow". There are many HUGE new church buildings being built. Homes and businesses are being build and sold faster than they can be counted, and the local unemployment rate is only around 3-3.5%. We have more jobs than workers. I can't speak for any other organ reps, but my sales are about 175%-200% up over last year at this time! (and last year was good, good, good[:D] ) The future looks good.
</p>

Dave.
</p>

[arie v]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



Dave,</p>

Well you must be doing something right.</p>

Seems I have seen you boasting about huge sales increases in the past. Does that mean you are doing somewhere around 40 or 50 sales a year?</p>

That would seem truly remarkable, from what I know of the industry.</p>

AV</p>

[organist777]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges

[quote user="arie v"]


........Well you must be doing something right.
Seems I have seen you boasting about huge sales increases in the past.....
</p>

[/quote]</p>

==========</p>

Arie,</p>

Really? I don't remember boasting about huge sales increases in any previous posts. I could be wrong since my memory is certainly as fallible as anyones, but I even looked back in the archives here and found no reference to huge sales increases mentioned by me. But that's really not here nor there, is it. </p>

The fact is, I am very satisfied with my association and sales with Phoenix Organs, my used organ sales, and the few commissioned sales I make. It is important to me that every customer is delighted by their custom
built Phoenix Organ, and everyone of them tells me if they had to do it all over again, they'd chose Phoenix again. </p>

Thank you, Arie, for your comment that I am doing something right... I hope I am because I work very hard at what I do, and expect things to only get better in the future for me and my customers.... I've always been a "glass-half-full" kind of person and believe that hard work always pays dividends in the end.</p>Nullogik, I had not noticed the changes to the Rodgers website that you mention...do you think this "re-making" of the Rodgers line is a response to Allen's recent additions, or do you think it is more directly related to USD exchange rates, and sales pressures from the "low-priced" builders? (who are selling lots of cheap organs).... or maybe it could just the "new-and-improved" marketing device used by enumerable retailers??[*-)]


Dave.</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

[nullogik]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



[quote user="organist777"]Nullogik, I had not noticed the changes to the Rodgers website that you mention...do you think this "re-making" of the Rodgers line is a response to Allen's recent additions, or do you think it is more directly related to USD exchange rates, and sales pressures from the "low-priced" builders? (who are selling lots of cheap organs).... or maybe it could just the "new-and-improved" marketing device used by enumerable retailers??[*-)]Dave.[/quote]</P>


Yep, the website is totally new and its only been online for about 2 weeks. It still uses the corporate colours "red" so it may look similar to the old one. They're still building it up, so some of the new models I've mentioned have yet to appear, but they will do over the next few weeks. Plus there'll be more downloadable content like videos, MP3s, PDF brochures etc.</P>


I don't think they've introduced new modelsin a reaction to the changes Allen have made, I've just likened the similarities between the their respective model lines to give a comparison of what I think Rodgers are trying to achieve. Like the Prelude edition which is a similar tactic that Allen did with their QL series. Same tech as their "high end" models but just in a budget console with a cut down audio system.</P>


Like others have mentioned, I think they've jiggled their line up to take into account the exchange rates. The cost savings now aren't huge, to build a cheapo organ out in Europe, ship it back to the States and then pay all sorts of taxes/duties and fees on top of it. It'll be interesting to see whether they shift production back to Europe one the exchange rate recovers to what it was a few years ago - most likely. </P>

[nullogik]

Re: New Rodger Models/Ranges



As mentioned at the beginning of this thread, Rodgers have released a brand new budget non-AGO compact model.</P>


Details have just been released - the console does look a little familiar (is it Viscount, I see?)</P>


</P>
<H3 hasbox="2">Features </H3>
<UL hasbox="2">
<LI hasbox="2">63 independent organ stops and 24 orchestral voices
<LI hasbox="2">English, French, American and Baroque voicing configurations
<LI hasbox="2">Built-in record and playback
<LI hasbox="2">Unlimited memory storage via USB
<LI hasbox="2">Extensive voicing capabilities
<LI hasbox="2">Adjustable tremulants
<LI hasbox="2">2 channel internal audio system with external audio options expandable to 4 channels
<LI hasbox="2">Complete combination action with 4 memory banks
<LI hasbox="2">Easy transition for pianists with Bass coupler
<LI hasbox="2">Lighted pistons
<LI hasbox="2">Stereophonic headphone jack
<LI hasbox="2">Locking hardwood rolltop
<LI hasbox="2">Transposer (+6/-5 semitones)
<LI hasbox="2">Tuning control
<LI hasbox="2">LCD console display with QuickMenu™ </LI>[/list]
<H3 hasbox="2">Audio System</H3>
<UL hasbox="2">
<LI hasbox="2">Internal: 2 woofers, 2 tweeters, 2 channels (60 watts each channel, 120 watts total) </LI>[/list]
<P hasbox="2">More details here:</P>
<P hasbox="2">http://www.rodgersinstruments.com/organ538</P>

[nullogik]

Re: New Rodger Masterpiece Prelude Model



For those of you haven't noticed, Rodgers have put details about some of their new models on their website. Of particular interest is a new budget 3 manual instrument with stop-tabs that would appear to be an equivalent to an Allen QL series.</p>

</p>

Here is just some of its features:</p><ul>[*]Masterpiece quality at a lower price point[*]Ideal for pipe organ console replacement[*]Smaller tonal specification than the Masterpiece 908 standard console[*]No toe pistons (optional addition of up to 20 toe pistons)[*]Single expression (optional addition of double expression)[*]No crescendo pedal (optional addition of crescendo)[*]No Solo floating division[*]Pipe/Zimbelstern kit included[*]Expandable specification up to the number of stops on the Masterpiece 908 console[*]8 selectable historic temperaments[/list]

More info here:</p>

http://www.rodgersinstruments.com/organ908Prelude
</p>

Also new is Rodgers 928 Medallion Edition organ</p>

</p>

Feature selection:</p><ul>[*]Premium Masterpiece console organ - the finest in sound, touch and appearance[*]RK-30 wooden keyboards[*]Filled finishes[*]Deluxe adjustable bench[*]New sound samples[*]New stop specification[*]8 selectable historic temperaments[/list]http://www.rodgersinstruments.com/organ928Medallion


</p>

[jbird604]

Re: New Rodger Masterpiece Prelude Model



The Prelude 908 looks a little oddwith 3 manuals and only a single expression pedal. But, I know a lot of organists,like my cousin Yvonna, who haven't a clue what to do with more than one expression pedal anyway! And no use for toe studs either, or a floating division.</P>


I'd say Rodgers has made a smart move, stripping the Masterpiece concept down to its bare essentials. I note that they still use 8 audio channels,so I suppose the stops still sound as good as they do on the larger Masterpiece organs.</P>


Would be interesting to know the price point of this organ. I have heard the Allegiant 778, which is 3 manuals with divided expression, crescendo, toe studs, and all the other bells and whistles of a Masterpiece, but using a Roland single-boardtechnology. That model sells fora whole lotless than a Masterpiece of similar spec, so I'm wondering just where this new one will fit in price-wise.</P>


Interesting.</P>


John</P>
<P mce_keep="true"></P>

[arie v]

Re: New Rodger Masterpiece Prelude Model



John,</p>

I'm not sure this is a smart move on Rodgers part. This is another one of Rodgers marketing schemes I have a hard time comprehending. My guess is this is an example of an organ looking for a buyer.</p>

The amount of money saved by the deletions in my mind is so negligible at the manufacturing level, but yet Rodgers would have to sell this for a lot less. It sounds like the audio is identical to the Masterpiece series, that there is no savings there.</p>

My guess is that the only way more than very few would want an organ something like this is if had internal audio. Some organist might want something like this as a practice organ.</p>

Again, why would anybody want this over the Allegiant 778? Unless is was many bucks less. But then it would be selling Masterpiece technology at a discount. Not good optics here.</p>

AV</p>