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Know-how
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In the 1970s and 1980s the electronic organ was the instrument of choice for ambitious home musicians. With its range between classical, jazz and modern pop it covered all desired musical styles. But back then the technical possibilities were still relatively limited. That meant popular instruments like the Farfisa or Yamaha organs already had a very good sound, but the tone was rather limited in variety. A circumstance that has changed dramatically today. Nevertheless, in recent years home organs have taken a back seat in favour of keyboards. Quite unjustly, as anyone can confirm who listens to a well-played Hammond SK-2 today.
What is the difference between a keyboard and an electronic organ?
You could say: 'A keyboard is a home organ from which the bass pedal and the second manual have been unscrewed.' In fact the keyboard developed from the electronic organ. It usually has 61 keys and features an auto-accompaniment. The instrument is especially popular with solo performers.
An electronic organ, by contrast, is considerably more versatile. In form it is a keyboard instrument with electronic sound generation. The underlying technology can be very different between the various types. The electronic organ has evolved since the 1930s. Its model was the pipe organ. The keyboard generally consists of 61 keys, less commonly of 44 or 88 keys, and there are multiple manuals. One of the first classic home organs was the Yamaha organ, which with its pedals, two manuals and a walnut veneer cabinet not only produced a good sound but also held a place of honour in bourgeois living rooms of the 1970s and 1980s.
Modern electronic organs from Hammond or Clavia
Since the 1970s a great deal has happened in the field of sound generation and design. This development has also benefited electronic organs. The modern sound palettes are hardly comparable with those of earlier instruments. Even without a large resonating body, for example the Hammond SK1 now delivers a total of 63 voices — plus 8 further voices via the pedal — in a perfected sound. The sonic worlds range from acoustic piano to expressive sounds. If that's not enough, the Clavia Nord C2D combo organ with its two manuals and numerous drawbars offers an even broader sonic variety. Here there's not only plenty of room for jazz, pop or hip-hop; this high-quality instrument also provides the sound of a baroque church organ.
Buy an electronic organ and bring joy
The electronic organ is still the instrument for musicians with a wide range. It serves the solo performer well and is a genuine band instrument. As a classic keyboard instrument it is also ideal for beginners. With the electronic organ young musicians learn the craft and also have the opportunity to find their own style. Because with this instrument you can play jazz, pop and classical — all with the exactly right sound each time.