At least we can discuss such matters free of interference here. I note that Allens, for example (Lowrey's UK distributor) won't have any dissent, North Korean style.
I do agree. I find it very nice that we can disagree without being disagreable. :)
It is objectively a great organ. Many consider it overpriced, but it is priced what the market will bear. Some say it looks great. Some others don't like the looks (same applies to $90,000 cars.) Some believe seniors are being swindled. Many seniors disagree and love their purchase.
My opinion: I love the sound, the features and the look. I wouldn't mind owning one in ten years when it sells for $2,000.
It is objectively a great organ. Many consider it overpriced, but it is priced what the market will bear. Some say it looks great. Some others don't like the looks (same applies to $90,000 cars.) Some believe seniors are being swindled. Many seniors disagree and love their purchase.
My opinion: I love the sound, the features and the look. I wouldn't mind owning one in ten years when it sells for $2,000.
If you are buying an organ for the looks, you are already doomed!
And those brightly lit and brightly colored buttons are an absolute necessity so you can hit the right one...and get the banjo arpeggio at the required moment and not a trombone solo. :devil:
'Never ascribe to malice that which can be adequately explained by incompetence.' --N. Bonaparte
My friends call me Steve, won't you be my friend?
The cast, in order of appearance:
Kawai K5, Yamaha PSR-85, Thomas Trianon A-6820, Gulbransen 621-K, Conn 580 T-2, GEM WK1 ST
Hammond H-112, Ser. #16518, from 8/16/1971
Oh, and let's don't forget the Jaymar!
1) you can't judge an organ by a DVD. What gets recorded is often rather different to what you hear live. It's usually better live!
2) all organs (except for dedicated theatre/classical models) are menu driven to some extent. Lowrey definitely included. It's OK if you want a sound that's immediately available on the panel, but anything else is a case of hitting a Genius Voice button and choosing a sound.
3) Cabinets on Lowrey are big, they're designed for American homes that have more room and bigger doors, so they can be a bit overwhelming. Are they retro? I suppose you could call all console organs that. If you want something modern look at Wersi.
4) ask yourself the all-important question. Do you want to play it or play with it, fiddling with buttons!
5) if you're coming from keyboard (depending on the make and model) you'll find some of the backing styles and sounds (vital if you don't play pedals!) a tad underwhelming. Some of the styles they like to show off like the Train (Chatanooga) are OK when heard and played a couple of times but then start to get a bit stale. You want more of the more usable styles, and it's here where keyboards like the Yamaha Tyros are streets ahead.
Bottom line, you're going to have to pay a visit to a few dealers. You mention Allens, so are you in the UK? Then you'll be visiting Great Yarmouth for Lowrey and Peterborough for Roland. Bohm and Wersi - I'll let someone else remind me of where they are!
You have to try the organ(s) yourself, with only minimal input from the salesman. Above all, it's the overall sound that you have to like, the bells and whistles are a secondary concern. If you don't like the sound, you'll never be happy with it.
Opinions will differ as to which is the 'best' organ. I'd say Roland, some will say Wersi or Bohm, some will say Lowrey. Only you can decide for yourself, but we'll try to help!
It's not what you play. It's not how you play. It's the fact that you're playing that counts.
About Lowrey styles vs. Yamaha. I own and play a Tyros4 and owned several Lowrey Genius models when they first came out in the late 80s. What I liked about the Lowrey styles - at the time at least - were that the patterns changed randomly, even if the chord type (major, minor etc.) did not change. The Tyros4 (and other keyboards) sometimes change patterns when changing from major to minor. But this does not happen in most styles - except for the introductions - and it is not a randomized process. Things therefore can sound more mechanical, even if the Tyros style is indeed well constructed. As a matter of fact, I remember reading the patent for the styles for the MX1. At that time, they did not change patterns randomly, but changed them depending on both the chord type as well as the chord root. I think there were 20 patterns per style segment. However, there were no special orchestrated introductions or endings and only two orchestrated variations.
I am curious if current Lowrey styles still modify the patterns in a random manner so if you, for example, play a C major chord, you will hear a few patterns that randomly change from one to the other? I think this would be a nice feature to have in keyboards such as Tyros and could be done by combining two or more similar styles and having the keyboard randomly choose the appropriate variation from each style in a random manner. That would make things more mechanical and not even require the writing of new styles - only the randomization algorithm.
We process personal data about users of our site, through the use of cookies and other technologies, to deliver our services, personalize advertising, and to analyze site activity. We may share certain information about our users with our advertising and analytics partners. For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
By clicking "I AGREE" below, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our personal data processing and cookie practices as described therein. You also acknowledge that this forum may be hosted outside your country and you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your data in the country where this forum is hosted.
Tweet
Comment