Midifying old analog Johannus?

[bdo2006]

Is it possible to midify an old analog Johannus organ for hauptwerk use? Has anyone done it?

thanks for any input.

Bdo

I've moved this into what should be a better section for getting replies. 'Home Organs' is for entertainment type organs, rather than classical. Andy G-Moderator

[Leisesturm]

Is it possible to midify an old analog Johannus organ for hauptwerk use? Has anyone done it?

thanks for any input.

Is it possible? Of course, just about anything is possible. But should you, with this particular console, that is the question, I think. Why not tell us more about this analog Johannus. How old? How many stops? What kind of pedalboard? Speakers built into console or separate? How many manuals?

[j reimer]

Even more to the point, what is the Model number, or name? That will give a clue to any people familiar with old analogue Johannus organs, to know what switching system is likely to be in use. We also need to know whether the organ is actually working in any fashion - that is, are the power supplies functioning?

If I remember correctly, the old Joh. analogues used diode switching, so that implies D.C. switching of some sort. However, the associated circuitry may need to be isolated from the contacts to make them usable with a MIDI interface.

John Reimer

[picothinker]

Hi bdo, welcome to the forum. In 2009, I wrote a lengthy dissertation here on MIDI Basics 101. Much has changed, the basics remain. As Lesliesturm said, almost anything is possible. Realistically, to use MIDI, it will be easier if you have additional sound systems beyond whatever is in your organ. You will need a PC/laptop to do this. Soldering/wiring skill are helpful, as well.

[bdo2006]

Thank John. Sorry I was a bit vague, i have only recently purchased this Johannus Opus 270 three manual, about thirty years old. It is working well as analogue instrument (with a couple of faulty connections) and is certainly very good for practice but the sound is very electronic and of its time. I am exploring whether it may be an option, and the level of skill this would require. I am not a great techie but it might be an interesting project in due course.

[j reimer]

bdo,

One thing you would need to ascertain before too much work or expense, is whether those 30-yr old contacts are actually up to the task. MIDI interfaces normally operate at quite low voltages, and corrosion etc may be a problem even if it's not affecting their use at a higher switching voltage. A year ago I midified the 35-yr old analogue instrument which I built for my local church all those years ago, and I had to modify the manual contacts and the stop switches (thankfully not the pedal contacts) before they would give reliable operation. It was a lot of work.

John Reimer

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I did my 3 manual Johannus Opus 240 in deluxe oak cabinet. A worthwhile project indeed. I understand what you mean about the original sound. The sound makes the organ even feel cheap to play on. Once converted you will be amazed at how solid this thing feels including those keyboards. I did have problems with the contacts and i sprayed them with WURTH contact oel (German product) which solved the problem in federal. The contacts like to be used so the more u play the less hassles. So far my contacts have been good for a year. I even thought if i have to give a spray once a year as part of maintenance im happy with that instead of wiring in new contacts. I didnt use the organs original speakers preferring studio monitors with a sub. All in all ive never looked back and have had hours of pleasure sitting at a decent console thinking this is just amazing!I used midi gadgets boutique boards which are pricey. I know use ucapps midio128 boards which i build myself at a fraction of the cost for further projects. Those boards can do it all!Ryan