Baldwin Organ Fun Machine

[Guest]

I have a Baldwin fun Machine Model 191, serial #F 38 DO2458. I would like to have a copy of the instruction manual for this machine or at least the fun machine part of the organ, WHEN WAS THIS ORGAN MADE. What is the worth of it. Works perfectally.

[andyg]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



According to my Blue Book, the model 191 is actually the "MCO Marquee", not a Fun Machine. All Baldwins of that era incorporated what they called the Fun Machine, as their rhythm and auto-accompaniment section.</p>

This was their largest (and last?) two manual spinet organ, sharing its spec with the 190 MCO Encore, as well as their full console equivalents the models 234 MCO Studio and the 235 MCO Theatre. All date from around 1982/3. An instruction manual for any one of them will do.</p>

As for value, the market is at rock bottom and going down. This is a great old organ, but it's 27 years old, finding spares would be a problem, if not an impossibility. Most people won't take much of a chance on them, so maybe $100-200 or so. Depends on where you are and if you can actually find a buyer. Many organs are given away these days.
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Andy
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[Guest]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Hi, As Andy says, it is the Baldwin MCO Marquee. I have the instruction book and the maintenance book for this and will be happy to scan and send you anything you need. I did ask Andy if it was possible to add, or convert this model to, MIDI but have not yet rec'd a reply. If anyone can help I would be very grateful.</P>


I bought mine from a couple in Kent a few years ago and it has given me a great deal of pleasure. The Tibias are quite lifelike and a respectable 'Blackpool' sound can easily be obtained from this.</P>

[andyg]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Hi</p>

I don't recall seeing your question about MIDI, Electron. There are, or at least there were, retrofit MIDI kits around that might be suitable but where you'd get one these days, I just don't know.</p>

The Marquee was an impressive sounding spinet and could certainly make a good theatrical sound.</p>

Andy
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</p>

[Guest]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Hi Andrew, </P>


Sorry, the question was sent privately using the email link supplied on here but I had not joined at the time and so it probably got blocked. Thanks for your comments.</P>


There is a 'Marqee'currently for sale on eBay (320385375916) no bids at a start price of £100.</P>


Best regards,</P>


Ron Lake.</P>

[healsing]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Hi,</P>


I don't know if you are in the States or not but I located an owners manual and a service manual ( which you will probably need down the line) at Puget sound Organ in Tacoma WA. http://www.pugetsoundorgan.com/hammond.html</P>
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I also purchased a service manualfrom an Ebay seller that was very helpful. He may have an owner's manual. You can give him a shout out. http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Sonic-El...__W0QQ_armrsZ1</P>


Good luck.</P>


Rob </P>

[Guest]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Hello,</p>

</p>

I recently acquired a baldwin viva model number 1401 and wonder if the manual you have might help me understand how to fully appreciate this wonderful instrument?</p>

</p>

If not do you know where I can find operating instructions?</p>

[andyg]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Hi, welcome to the Forum.</p>

I can't recall a 1401, and it's not shown in my copy of the Blue Book either. There was a 140 Fun Machine from 1981 and the only 'Vivas' I can see are the little 120, from 1970 and the 148 from 1982. Can you provide us with a photo, so we can positively ID it and maybe help you a little more.</p>

Andy
</p>

[Guest]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Hello, have a question about the Fun Machine:</p>

Just picked one
up, and I really like it! I'm wondering if what I'm playing is 'normal'
or not....</p>

it doesn't play like a normal piano... I play the
first five notes and then it goes down a few notes... it's not like a
standard keyboard... I've pressed all the buttons, and can't figure out
how to play it in normal key order! is this how it's supposed to be, or
am I missing something? I've searched the web and can't find any
info... if anybody has info about this, would be much appreciated! :)</p>Thanks!!
Chad

[andyg]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Are you talking about the Fun Machine that has two keyboards side by side?</p>

If so, you simply play chords (or use the EZ play chord system) on the left keyboard to generate the accompaniment, and play the melody on the right hand keyboard. You can't play a melody on the left part.
</p>

[Guest]

Re: Baldwin Organ Fun Machine



Hello. I just picked up a Fun Machine organ model 121W and I have some problems. I dont know if it is working properly or not but I dont know how to use the key selection located in the middle of the two keyboards.</p>

Anyone knows how is the functioning of this key selection?</p>

Thanks in advance for the help!
</p>