Allen analog from the sixties . . .

[Guest]

How would you describe analog sound from tube sound on an analog-produced-sound organ? Someone's giving me this Allen from the sixties and . . . it has a princess pedal board, too . . . how would I go about converting it to standard AGO specs?

[arie v]

Re: Allen analog from the sixties . . .



Hi,</p>

Sound from a 60s Allen - not very realistic, by today's standards. Likely very flutey sounding</p>

Princess pedals - are not AGO spec pedalboards, about 5" narrower. That means console is narrower as well. Essentially they cannot be converted to AGO specifications. Better to get an Allen that already has a full AGO spec'd console.</p>

AV
</p>

[jbird604]

Re: Allen analog from the sixties . . .



Chris,</P>


I agree with Arie. Best to leave that princess pedalboard alone and be on the lookout for an AGO console. They are often available for very little money or even free for the taking.</P>


You might keep the little Allen as a warmup or light practice organ. Put it in a bedroom or other area where there isn't room for a big console.The princess pedals are slightly narrowed, but I don't think it will ruin your technique to practice on them. </P>


This has been discussed frequently on the forum, and I think others have expressed the same idea. Playing on different pedalboards is probably good for you in the long run as it forces you to adapt and think about what you're doing.</P>


Good luck.</P>


John</P>
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[OrgansR4Me]

Re: Allen analog from the sixties . . .



I had a tube driven S15 for about a year and I kick myself now for letting it go. The 15 had more voices and two channels and was very close to a theater organ in sound when the gyro was used. There is a twelve modelthat was more limited in voicing and the colors are all combinations of flutes. This is not a small organ by any means even with the smaller pedal board.</P>


You should have a good time using it and the tubes are easy to maintain -- not always easy to buy. Watch Ebay for a chance to keep some in stock. Good wishes!</P>

[Dave S.]

Re: Allen analog from the sixties . . .

I'd say go for it if it's not gonna cost you much for transportation or repairs. If that organ needs filter caps in the tone generator(s) that can run you a few hundred,parts+labor considered (check for dead notes!!). As mentioned, it'll be flutey sounding. Some of the stops will probablybe compounded from different flute pitches. For the first 5 or 6 years of my playing I was stuck with 25 note flat Hammond boards, with an occasional AGO board. Later on in different venues I got to switching between Allen princess boards and AGO boards, and I think that's an easier transition than the alternatives. That's just me though, and i'm 6'4" with size 13s. My only gripe about Allens /w/ princess boards is it's a pain for meto swap feet on a sharp note, and the swell pedal kinda hangs out a little too far over the d#. For being a "free" organ, i'dsay if you like it and it works,hang onto ituntil something better comes along.

[radagast]

Re: Allen analog from the sixties . . .



[quote user="jehanalainjr"]How would you describe analog sound from tube sound on an analog-produced-sound organ? Someone's giving me this Allen from the sixties and . . . it has a princess pedal board, too . . . how would I go about converting it to standard AGO specs?
[/quote]</P>


If it's an Allen from the sixties, then it has transistor tone generation, not tube.</P>

[jbird604]

Re: Allen analog from the sixties . . .



Rad,</P>


I was going to say that too. Could have a tube amp though.</P>


What is the model number? If it's a TC-1 it will sound a lot better than if it's a T-12.</P>


John</P>
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[radagast]

Re: Allen analog from the sixties . . .

[quote user="jbird604"]


Rad,</P>


I was going to say that too. Could have a tube amp though.</P>


What is the model number? If it's a TC-1 it will sound a lot better than if it's a T-12.</P>


John</P>
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[/quote]</P>


John,</P>


As they say "great minds...".</P>

[jbird604]

Re: Allen analog from the sixties . . .

Yes indeed!