Howard E-900

[Ithilien]

Hi folks, new to this group. Long story made short, I have made "computer" music my Covid hobby. Been all over the board learning how to make music. I play a bit of guitar but my hands have gotten some arthritis, so went down the midi/keyboard path. Been having a lot of fun with it. I Played piano as a kid so want to go back and "re-learn" that as well as .... well, Organ.

I just scored a FREE organ from a friend who was giving one away from an estate (their cousin who passed). They just wanted it moved. I did some research, and it's nothing special sound wise, but it is a BEAST. I moved it in last weekend, cleaned it up, and it works! Only a few foot pedals aren't working best I can tell. Probably just one of the wires shorted, or a switch gone bad? I'm sure i'll figure it out.

Anyway, I have a couple questions.

1) This thing has a headphone output under the front. I assume that would give me a stereo signal so I can use a TRS cable and plug it into my Motu M4 audio device.
However, on the back, there are 2 TRS 1/4 connections labeled "box". Should I assume those are outputs, left and right, for the same purpose? They are shown as paired together (wish I had taken a picture of that before I put it in place......).


2) It does make a bit of a clicking noise when the keys are pressed. I'm guessing at some point I should open it up and thoroughly "dust' the insides....electronics. Or perhaps something else is causing it? The speakers actually sound pretty good.....it rocks the room!

I attached a picture......this is going to be a lot of fun. I was thinking if it didn't work at all, i'd gut it and put a Raspberry PI in it with a Synth...... ;-)

[andyg]

I've moved this to a more appropriate section. Although you clearly have the organ at home, it's not a 'home organ'. We reserve that term for entertainment style instruments rather than classical or theatre models.

You might find that the headphones output will be a bit 'hot' for the MOTU, so I suggest that you pad it down a little. The 'Box' connectors might be simple 1/4" TS jacks for external speakers, so might well be at a very hot level for your MOTU!

[Ithilien]

Thanks Andy.....yeah, wasn't sure the best place for the post. I believe you are right, the two jacks are likely line outs for stereo channels, just hadn't seen the term "box" before. I guess that was 80's term for "mixer" maybe? :-)

So you're saying you think those two outputs might be AMPED as well? I would expect the headphone jack would be...Good things to note. Kinda new to the electronics of this. How would I test? Hook them up to unpowered speakers and see if I get much signal?

[myorgan]

So you're saying you think those two outputs might be AMPED as well? I would expect the headphone jack would be...Good things to note.

Those outputs may not be amped, but will export a signal at higher than line-level. If you have an owner's manual (or can find one online), it should tell you the purpose of the TRS jacks. I suspect the jacks in the back are probably TS (MONO-not TRS), and the headphone jack is TRS. On an organ (or even electronic piano), there is always some change to the line-level outputs in the back.

Hope this is correct and helps. Find an online owner's manual for the final authority.

Michael

[jbird604]

Any label or tag on it to indicate the maker or the model number? I see vague resemblances to certain organs I've worked on, but can't be sure. The square combination buttons are really unusual.

[mrdc2000]

To the best of my recollection, I think that the Howard organs were made by Viscount for the Baldwin company.
The square pistons was also used by Baldwin.

[arie v]

Hi,

This particular orgn looks like a re-badged Gem (General Music) )Prelude. It was marketed in the early to mid 80s. Tone generation was analog, divider type. This organ was pre-MIDI.

This was something GEM flogged to various companies, as they had a warehouse full of them. So Baldwin by agreement ended up selling them to their dealers.

What can I say, cheap, cheerful, Italian.

I don't think there is any parts or support remaining for this instrument.

AV

[Larrytow]

I think that mrdc2000 is right on the ID. From the single, distant, photo provided it is hard to tell much more. One thing that makes me think Baldwin is, as John said, the square pistons. The other thing is the thickness of the side panels, and top. On my 626 Baldwin they are 2"+ thick, Really dense MDF. That is what makes those consoles so darn heavy.

If it is a Howard / Viscount / Baldwin organ, our normal source of manuals for Baldwin might not have them. I think he only has USA made Baldwin stuff. But worth a try anyhow.

If the Howard used the typical 5 channel Baldwin amp system, the outs on the back might be normal line level ones ? My 626 is so buried that I can't get to it to check if it has right and left stereo outs, in addition to the 5 channel ones.

@Ithilien Welcome to the Organ Forum !! We represent a lot of cumulative knowledge here about most all things organ related.

PS : The more and better, and detailed, photos you can post will equal better assistance with issues. Everyone needs to know the details to be of any real help. Otherwise we are all just guessing.

[jbird604]

Duh!!! I didn't even notice that the title of the thread is "Howard E-900." Presumably something marketed by Baldwin at some time in the past. I can't be sure, but there may be one of these in a local church, though it sits unused in a corner of the church, as they have a much newer and larger organ that is played for the services.

Now I'm curious. If this crisis ever clears up, I think I'll have to go check that organ out.