CONN651 LEARNER

[Guest]

Hi guys I,m new to your forum I have the opportunity to purchase a Conn 651 Its been well cared for and used regularly I am still at the learner stage with my playing I need your collective opinions On a heap of questions !/ is the Conn 651 suitable for a learner 2/ What years were they made ? 3/ is it valve or solid state? 4/ Can i get a "classical" sound out of it or is it soley a theatre organ 5/ It has pipes included in the deal and a 700 Leslie are these items worth keeping ? and finally whats it worth Regards Terry

[crossyinoz]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER



G'day Terry,

The 651 was released in 1973 and was top of the range in the Conn theatre/entertainment/home organ series. On release it had an RRP of AUD$11,450.00. It is an all solid state transistor instrument, using a single oscillator per notetonegenerator,which Conn claimed to deliver superior theatre organ sound. Yes, it is possible to get a classical sound out of the instrument, as the same tone generator was used in the Conn church models of the same era. Just don't expect it to sound anything like a digital Rodgers, Allen, or Johannus etc.

Absolutely hang on to the Leslie & Pipes. The Leslie 700 is an ideal companion to the 651, being a 2 channel cabinet with the Rotosonic drum, that will add to the sound dimension of the instrument. While IMHO the pipes are a "more show than go" excercise they do add a bit of charm to the whole outfit.

As for value, the Leslie alone would sell in Oz for the price the whole rig is sitting at, as a good vintage Leslie is a licence to print money in this country now. Work out a figure that you feel comfortable with, and my advice is to go for it.[Y]

Good Luck,

Ian

[andyg]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER



Hi Terry

The 651 can make some fine sounds. The Conn sound is unique and, like most analogue organs, has its supporters and detractors. I joined the former group many years ago.

Crossy's answered much of what you want to know.

1 - Yes, you can certainly learn on it, and if you're planning to play classical music it's a good choice for it's near-AGO console dimensions and layout.

2 - 1973 to about 1978, when it was replaced by the 652

3 - All solid state

4 - Yes, but remember that it's Tibia based rather than Diapason based, so it will never be a true classical organ, but certainly good enough to play classical organ music on it.

5 - Yes, the pipes and Leslie are worth keeping. The 700 is a 'theatre' type leslie with the Rotosonic drum to give the Tibias a heavy throb on tremolo. The pipes actually do make the organ sound a bit different and diffuse the sound slightly. The more pipes you have, the better. They also look neat.

How much? Depends on where you are, the condition of the organ and the market conditions. How much is the seller asking?

Andy

[Guest]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER



Andy and Ian Thanks for prompt and useful replies I,ll certainly give it a go Dosnt seem much interest yet [its on E bay ] it will cost $300 just to cart it home Thats without the mods to the house to accomodate it! Suppose i should mention it to the wife!! Would this instrument lend itself to MIDI conversion easily , Probably a bit ambitious yet! My playing has to improve a mile regards and thanks will advise outcome of sale Terry

[Guest]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER



Hello Terry,

I presently have a Conn 650, which is very similar to the organ you are interested in. I purchased mine in Sydney about a year ago, but it had been completely gutted.

I have since installed an Artisan MIDI system, connected to a computer running the Miditzer, 3 manual 260SP Wurlitzer organ, and am amazed at the realism of the sound produced. I was very lucky in that the unit had been completely gutted, so it made implementing a MIDI system very easy. If you are interested in achieving a fairly realistic pipe sound, I would recomment your having a go at installing MIDI, whether you gut the organ (which would be a shame if it is working properly), or leave it whole.

I would be very interested in hearing whether you intend to proceed or not.

Best regards,

Barry (Gold Coast, Australia)

[Guest]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER

I"d go for it even if it ends up in the garage (suitably climate controlled of course). I had the 628 which was the lowest model in the home/theater range and it served me well for many years. I always thought mine produced a good semi-classical sound. It just wouldn't do the classic Hammond sound. Good luck in your learning. How much organ experience do you have?

[Guest]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER

Hi guys Well I missed out on the Conn which was wrongly advertised as a 651 when in fact it was a 652 It went for way past my budget It had a 700 leslie and two sets of Conn pipes included in the sale.Probably too much organ for a learner anyhow! I will lower my sights and look for something else Many thanks to all who helped me with my questions No doubt i,ll be calling on your collected wisdom again Regards Terry

[Guest]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER



Hello Terry,

Sorry to hear that you missed out on the Conn. Could you let us know how much it auctioned for? I would be very interested.

Regards,

Barry

[Guest]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER



There is another 651 that just came on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/used-Vintage-CONN-651-THEATER-Organ-3-Manual-Console_W0QQitemZ270269817804QQihZ017QQcategoryZ16 219QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The bus bars can be cleaned. Often rotating them or sliding them left or right will work. The problem is that a grove gets worn in the bar then there is no vinyl to make contact. Another trick is to bend the key contacts left or right to make contact with a fresh spot on the bus bar.

The pedal actuator - worth fixing if you can get the organ for a good price. I don't have the manual in front of me, but you might be able to swap the broken one for the high G on the pedal board or buy a replacement part.

[Guest]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER



I have a 651 that makes a constant sound, even though no stops are engagedor keys are played. It is not a single tone, but sounds likemulitple simultaneous notes. The sound gets louder when the "Piano f" tab is engaged and becomes brighter when the "rinky tink" tab is engaged. Also, the pedal piano does not speak for one note. Any ideas onwhat to what is causing this problem? Is it an easy fix?

Thank you.

[Guest]

Re: CONN651 LEARNER



As it is a new subject, it would have been better to start a new thread on this.

Luckily, the piano keying is separate from the rest of the organ. There is even a pot on the left swell show for the piano volume.

Sounds like a few bad piano keying modules. Getting the schematic will help you. You might be able to swap modules or as an easy fix, disconnect the piano circuit. Since it is separate, you might be able to disconnect it right at the pot on the left swell shoe. I think it is the one on the left towards the front of the organ. I think the left/back one is complex and the right pot is tibia when master expression is on.