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"A super musical Italian combo (strings, polysynth, monosynth) with aftertouch and preset editing capabilities. Visually, see photo, it works, but it's not a museum piece.
Technically 95% OK (some potentiometers crackle a little, strings 4' in one octave don't play, the same for strings 8' in another octave), which is still a great result for Soundmaker (about 7 years ago, a general overhaul was carried out - most CMOS and electrolytic capacitors were replaced + calibration).
"Farfisa TK75 (Presets Home Keyboard Made in Italy) playing One Note "Dance" Rhythm Preset thru Korg Monotron in right channel and Monotron Delay in right channel."
FARFISA POLYCHROME - 1979
A gigantic instrument with an equally huge sound - was this the ultimate string machine of the era? With 4 independent sections of Divide Down-based instruments with lots of modulation capabilities - our bets are in.
The Polychrome uses octave-divider technology to achieve full polyphony meaning you can effectively play a 61 note chord.
It's a big-boned piece of gear, wide and surprisingly deep - it shares the same measurements as the ELKA SYNTHEX but adds a couple of kilos of weight - this to comfortably fit all the circuit boards inside.
We have an additional unit available for purchase - in excellent condition with the original carrying bag included - if you're interested please don't hesitate to contact us for more info, price and photos.
Most of the Farfisa Polychrome specifications are in the video as text already but a quick spec sheet would look like this :
There are four main instrument groups with individual preset sounds that are selectable one at a time
1. Percussive - 6 presets in. all (Piano, Harpsichord, Clavichord and the latest in modern piano emulation - Honky Tonk). This section is equipped with a dedicated filter with Brilliance, Decay and Emphasis parameters, effectively it doubles as a polyphonic synthesizer section.
2. Strings - 1 single preset with 3 octaves selectable simultaneously to form a massively huge string section.
3. Ensemble - 3 Brass preset sounds with an expanded filter section of brilliance and emphasis filter as well as attack and decay controls. There's an error in the video text here : all presets are 'free' - meaning you can adjust the parameters of all sounds. You can get a wide variety of sounds here, from synth leads to basses, brassy chords, you name it.
4. Vocal Chorus - Now this is special : 3 haunting choir preset sounds with an additional free mode, with access to Resonance and Cutoff parameters."
"Farfisa SG-61 - 1983 analog presets and rhythm portable keyboard
8 poly sounds - 8 mono sounds - 8 presets rhythm pattern
"Disco" rhythm preset sample in ReSlice iPad app for a new custom rhythm groove
Enso Looper live jam - FAC Alteza reverb - Nembrini delay on Audiobus matrix
All sounds from Farfisa SG-61
Farfisa SG-61 pure performance at Claudio Capponi Farfisa Museum:"
"A rare vintage combo organ with that unmistakable Farfisa sound. Removable, fold-out bottom reveals fold-down legs (one or two screws missing but still functional) and hard-wired power cable. Cable connects to the external Farfisa F/AR unit which provides power and contains the spring reverb. This unit is functionally good but it could use some internal contact cleaning in a few areas. We coaxed some very usable tones out of it in the demo video! The case itself has been "well-loved," showing moderate surface scuffs from travel.
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This is the Compact Duo CD/30, one of Farfisa’s higher-end models from the late ’60s; basically a two-manual version of the Compact with expanded voicing and richer tone-shaping options. A favorite among garage rockers, psych bands, and analog synth fans alike.
Features:
Two manuals (upper and lower keyboards) for split/layered playing Vibrato, tone boost, and percussion controls Bass and organ voices with classic Farfisa tabs Mark I version The Compact Duo was used extensively by Pink Floyd (Echoes, etc.); a favorite for its gritty tone and punchy presence on stage and in the studio.
30% of the sale supports the Bob Moog Foundation, preserving the legacy of electronic music and inspiring future generations."
"Vintage Italian combo organ with classic '60s tone in a sharp-looking chassis. It sounds awesome, especially through FX pedals. 60s Brit pop sounds, naturally, but also early Pink Floyd psychedelic vibes. This unit needs repair, but it’s a great low-cost restoration project for someone handy!
The unit powers up and makes sounds, but the voltage to the keyboard needs adjusting. In the embedded YouTube demo video, a successful demo can be heard in the C scale, but all of the following keyboard voltage issues exist (potentially among others): C in the bass octave plays an F below; B in the bass octave plays a D# below and is too soft; G# in the bass octave is too soft.
Other issues:
Vibrato doesn't work. All Vibrato switches have some effect on the tone, but there is no actual vibrato Reverb doesn't work. Reverb has a tube preamp (cool!) Bass 16 / Strings 16 - same issues as bass octave but an octave higher Bass 16 / Strings 16 - C2 and B2 do not sound Flute 8 / All 8' stops - same issues as #6 and 7 but an octave higher again Top C note sticks mechanically This lot does NOT include the bass or volume pedals.
This organ is built in combination with its own carrying case. The top lid is removed to reveal the organ, and the bottom opens up to storage for wires and the fold-out, built-in legs (shown in some of the images). This lid is missing the suitcase-style carrying handle, which is likely easily replaceable. The case itself also has a crack on the right side.
The Farfisa Compact is known for its bright, buzzy organ tones and reedy bite, perfect for psych rock, garage, and early synth-pop textures. Whether you’re restoring it for stage use or just want that iconic combo organ flavor in your studio, this is a great piece to start with.
Details:
Multiple tone tabs for organ voices and percussion Built-in vibrato (needs repair, as mentioned) and tone booster 49 keys with bass section on lower range There is nothing like the sound of a Farfisa organ. Heard on classic tracks by Pink Floyd, The Doors, and The B-52s, these organs helped define the sound of '60s and '70s rock, and still holds its own in modern music.
30% of the sale goes to the Bob Moog Foundation, supporting electronic music history, innovation, and education."
"When I visited Hainbach at his amazing studio in Berlin, and he introduced me to a whole new world of sound—rare Italian synths that completely reset my thinking. The Farfisa Polychrome is hands down the best string machine I’ve ever heard, with rich choir and synth textures and a built-in phaser that sounds like no other effect I’ve used. The Webo Welson (late 70's) is a rockin’ beast with ripping oscillators, tearing portamento, and beautifully saturated presets that just ooze character. And then there’s the Realton Variophon Gig—a breath-controlled synth that lets you shape the timbre with your mouth. It’s expressive, has rich variable noisy modulation goodness, and is unlike any vocoder or synth I’ve ever played.
Hainbach really opened my ears to a sound palette I didn’t even know existed. He’s a very generous to hang with, and I left his studio totally inspired to create new music. You will too."
"One of the best sounding string synths out there, this Farfisa Soundmaker is a great piece of synth history. This example is in great condition with very few signs of wear and tear. Whether it's leads, bass or pads, this synth shines with some reverb and delay over top of it. This synth has been serviced by our in house technicians and the service completed is as follows:
Changed primary for transformer to accept 120vac
Replaced euro power cable with US type
Dismantled and cleaned "poli" and "mono" level controls cleaned all other faders and controls with contact cleaner
Cleaned and polished all buss bars and key contacts
Replaced all electrolytic capacitors in power supply
"The Farfisa DK 250 is a '88 Made in Italy dynamic digital keyboard featuring 61 keys.
64 PCM sample sounds, 6 sections: Mono, Bass, Poly1, Poly2, Arranger, Drum
This instrument allows the combination of two wavetable sounds, each with independent envelopes.
Store sounds and programs on Cartridge.
Additionally, it is equipped with a built-in reverb developed by Alesis, enhancing depth and overall sound quality."
"Built in 1979-81, the Soundmaker has Synth, String and Piano/Brass Sections. The Monophonic Synth section has 12 preset sounds (Tuba, Trombone, Trumpet, Sax, Clarinet, Oboe, Flute, Piccolo, Violin, Accordion, El Bass, El Guitar) and one free patch which lets you use the controls to create your own sound.
Basic controls for the filter, the one ADSR for the filter and/or the VCA, and the LFO are laid out plain and simple.
The Polyphonic Preset Synth section has Volume & Brightness controls for its four preset Piano type sounds (Piano, Electric Piano, Honkey Tonk, Brass).
The String section offers a fairly decent string sound with Volume, Brightness, Attack and Sustain controls for a choice of two preset strings (8" footage or 4" footage).
This unit was just inspected and cleaned internally by our in-house repair shop. All functions work as expected."
"A classic 70s kraut rock instrument, the very unique sounding Syntorchestra is a truly inspiring keyboard, with its polyphonic and monophonic sections.
This particular unit was serviced and most of the electrolytic caps were replaced, as well as cleaned and calibrated. It plays and sounds as it should, just check the video for a comprehensive demo and tips about this instrument.
Cosmetic is overall good, with some signs of wear here and there, mostly on the side cheeks, see pictures. Considering its age and build quality it still looks nice."
"A super musical Italian combo (strings, polysynth, monosynth) with aftertouch and preset editing capabilities. Visually, see photo, it works, but it's not a museum piece.
