This page about Allen Harpsichord is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Allen Harpsichord (or Allen Electronic Harpsichord) was introduced around 1961 by the Allen Organ Company. The instrument had no strings, as it produced sound purely electronically. This technology would become the basis for another instrument, the Rock-Si-Chord, which was produced by Allen's subsidiary, Rocky Mount Instruments, starting in 1967.

The Allen Harpsichord originally came in two different designs: (1) a rectangular case resembling that of a square piano, or (2) a more traditional harpsichord-style case like the one seen on The Lawrence Welk Show. Additionally, a more compact model also surfaced in recent years; its three-tiered green case design is nearly identical to those seen on early RMI Rock-Si-Chords. It is unknown if this model went into production under the Allen name, or if it was purely a prototype.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Allen Harpsichord.

Features and functionality

  • The Allen Harpsichord features individual tone generators and tuning pots for each note, allowing for precise tuning adjustments.

    Source
  • The instrument supports all-key polyphony, and the keys provide a satisfying tactile feel.

    Source
  • Suspected prototype retains 61 keys typical of an Electra 300A, contrasting with later models that have 68 keys.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners have fashioned custom power supplies and repaired components like the AC-122 transistor to revive sound functionality.

    Source
  • Old batteries are required; modern owners often construct custom power supplies to replace outdated ones.

    Source

User experience

  • The Allen Harpsichord’s analog circuit successfully emulates the initial "pluck" of a real harpsichord, although the overall sound may not perfectly match the acoustic version.

    Source
  • One owner found the original 1962 bill of sale and schematics, enhancing historical insight and aiding in restoration efforts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its use by Lawrence Welk on his show, highlighting its appeal in televised performances.

    Source

Build quality

  • The instrument's rocker switches tend to oxidize over time, necessitating cleaning for optimal functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Shares internal design elements with the RMI Rock-Si-Chord/Electra-Piano, highlighting Allen Organ's influence on both models.

    Source

Other

  • Prototype models were often made in walnut, unlike production versions which used plywood or plastic for cost efficiency.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Scott uses Allen Harpsichord

Frank Scott

Keyboardist, Composer

Lawrence Welk & His Orchestra

...
Verified via Photo

In this still from a 1962 episode of The Lawrence Welk Show, Frank Scott can be seen playing an Allen Harpsichord as dancers perform to the song "Runaway."

See how Bob Ralston uses Allen Harpsichord

Bob Ralston

Keyboardist

Lawrence Welk & His Orchestra

...
Verified via Photo

In this still from a 1971 episode of The Lawrence Welk Show, Bob Ralston can be seen playing an Allen Harpsichord. The band is playing Welk's 1961 chart topper "Calcutta." The video is available on YouTube here.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Harpsichords

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    bmw100997
    bmw100997

    Gear IQ 3296