Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $902

Standard/Professional

$799

$2000+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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 Compact Deluxe was part of Farfisa’s Compact line. It features similar controls to the Combo Compact, but with additional voices such as the 2-2/3' footage and an independent "brilliant" tab. Later models also include a rhythm section (drum machine) of brush cymbal and drum. The final Compact models were manufactured in 1969.

Product specs

Brand Farfisa
Model Farfisa Combo Deluxe Compact Organ
Finish Gray with Black-White / Gray-White / White-Black Keys
Year 1964 - 1968
Made In Italy
Categories Organs
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Farfisa Compact Deluxe?

The Farfisa Compact Deluxe is known for its bright, punchy, and slightly raspy tone, making it ideal for classic rock and psychedelic music. Its sound is distinct from other organs, offering a unique character that stands out in a mix.

How many keys does the Farfisa Compact Deluxe have?

The Farfisa Compact Deluxe features a full-size keyboard with 61 keys, providing ample range for both melodic and harmonic playing.

Is the Farfisa Compact Deluxe suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Farfisa Compact Deluxe is popular for live performances due to its portable size and distinctive sound that cuts through a band mix, making it a favorite among gigging musicians.

What is the keyboard action of the Farfisa Compact Deluxe?

The Farfisa Compact Deluxe has a synth action keyboard, which offers a lighter touch compared to weighted keys, allowing for fast and expressive playing styles.

In what years was the Farfisa Compact Deluxe manufactured?

The Farfisa Compact Deluxe was manufactured between 1964 and 1968, during which it became a staple in the sound of many classic rock bands.

Ben das Brot

Ben das Brot

FARFISA - The Mother of all Combo Organs / Die Mutter aller Combo-Orgeln

Video thumbnail for FARFISA - The Mother of all Combo Organs / Die Mutter aller Combo-Orgeln by Ben das Brot

FARFISA - The Mother of all Combo Organs / Die Mutter aller Combo-Orgeln

Ben das Brot

Ben das Brot

Video thumbnail for FARFISA COMPACT DELUXE DEMO by WESSERPARAQUAT

FARFISA COMPACT DELUXE DEMO

WESSERPARAQUAT

WESSERPARAQUAT

Video thumbnail for FARFISA Compact Deluxe Demo and Improvisations by siresounds

FARFISA Compact Deluxe Demo and Improvisations

siresounds

siresounds

Video thumbnail for Farfisa Compact Deluxe (1st version) tech overview by sounddoctorin

Farfisa Compact Deluxe (1st version) tech overview

sounddoctorin

sounddoctorin

Video thumbnail for 1960's Farfisa Compact Deluxe by Andrew Lusher

1960's Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Andrew Lusher

Andrew Lusher

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Farfisa Compact Deluxe.

Features and functionality

  • The Crumar Mojo single manual offers an identical emulation of the Farfisa Compact Deluxe tone, with drawbars that emulate Farfisa switches when pulled halfway.

    Source
  • The Technics SX-KN6000, while digital and less exciting, offers a cost-effective alternative with a wider range of sounds compared to analog Farfisas.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Crumar Mojo's Vox sounds are also identical to the Italian Vox Continental, featuring 6 drawbar settings matching original specifications.

    Source
  • There is a notable sound difference between Farfisa models using germanium transistors, which offer a "fuzzy warm" tone, and those with silicon transistors, which sound "cleaner."

    Source
  • The Korg Vox Continental is recommended for those seeking versatile organ sounds, featuring a waterfall keybed suitable for glisses and swoops.

    Source
  • Farfisa VIP series organs are noted for being robust, featuring a built-in drum machine, unlike the more delicate Compact models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Using a Yamaha Reface YC in mode F with Catalinbread Echorec and a wah pedal effectively replicates Rick Wright's Pink Floyd sound.

    Source
  • The Farfisa Compact Deluxe is synonymous with iconic 1960s organ sounds, making it desirable for achieving authentic vintage tones in performances.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • GSI's Vox and Farfisa plugins, including an iOS app, are based on the same engine as the Mojo, offering accurate emulation.

    Source

Build quality

  • The internal spring reverb and tone boost knee lever on the Farfisa Compacts significantly enhance the organ's sound, adding a distinctive "mojo" not found in later models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Restoring a non-working Farfisa can be challenging, with tasks like replacing output capacitors and transistors being common repairs for vintage models.

    Source
  • Farfisa Compacts often require additional repairs costing a few hundred dollars due to their delicate valve-based construction.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Stage-ready Farfisa Compacts typically range from 1000 to 1500 Euros, with price variations depending on model, condition, and location.

    Source

Other

  • Farfisa organs from the 1970s and 80s, like the Bravo, use generic transistor organ ICs, differing from the unique oscillator designs of earlier models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owning a vintage Farfisa Compact can offer an "amazing, glitchy" experience, described as "a hundred pounds of glitchy analog weirdness."

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tyler, The Creator uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Tyler, The Creator

Singer, Rapper

Odd Future

...
Verified via Photo

A Farfisa Compact Deluxe can be seen at the 0:07 mark of Tyler, The Creator’s music video for “LUMBERJACK.” Full music video available here.

See how Richard Wright uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Richard Wright

Singer, Keyboardist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Wright can be seen playing a Farfisa Compact Deluxe -- a different model that the Farfisa Compact Duo organ he usually played.

See how Ira Kaplan uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Ira Kaplan

Singer, Guitarist

Yo La Tengo

...
Verified via YouTube

The youtube video shows Ira playing the Farfisa Compact Deluxe in a live TV performance of 'Autumn Sweater' in 1997. The same instrument was used in the studio recording of the track and has been used extensively live and on record since, for example on tracks like 'Let's Save Tony Orlando's House'.

See how Kate Pierson uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Kate Pierson

Singer, Guitarist

The B-52's

...
Verified via Photo

Kate Pierson used a Farfisa Compact Deluxe in the original B-52's lineup. The organ is featured on many of the band’s hits, such as “Planet Claire” and “Rock Lobster.”

In 2015, she posted this photo of her organ on Facebook with the caption, “Original B52s Farfisa organ getting tuneup.” In the comments, she wrote, “This is the original we used in 'planet claire' and all songs on first record - the bass parts on this too.”

The same organ was on display at The Met starting in 2019. The display’s plaque read:

Combo Compact Deluxe, Farfisa (Italian)

Kate Pierson, ca. 1964–1968

The Farfisa company, originally a maker of accordions, began manufacturing transistor organs in Italy in the early 1960s before transitioning to synthesizers in the 1970s. Sam the Sham was one of the earliest rock organists to play a Farfisa; his group the Pharaohs recorded their hit “Wooly Bully” with one in 1965. This organ belongs to Kate Pierson of the B-52’s, who used it to record songs such as “Planet Claire” and “Rock Lobster.” The organ’s bright and warbly tone contributed to the band’s eccentric flair. Other notable bands who incorporated the Farfisa include Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Sly and the Family Stone.

See how Mark Weitz uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Mark Weitz

Singer, Keyboardist

Strawberry Alarm Clock

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Weitz can be seen playing a Farfisa Compact Deluxe during a Strawberry Alarm Clock reunion show.

See how Don Merrill uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Don Merrill

Keyboardist

The Nude Party

...
Verified via Photo

Don playing a Farfisa Compact Deluxe at Dreamland Recording Studios in 2017. The recording session was for the Nude Party's eponymous debut album.

See how Ciro Fogliatta uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Ciro Fogliatta

Keyboardist

Los Gatos

...
Verified via YouTube

En el minuto 15:08 del video puede observarse a Ciro tocando la canción "La Balsa" con un órgano Farfisa Combo Compact Deluxe que se encontraba en los Estudios TNT.

See how Carolyn Wood uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Carolyn Wood

Keyboardist

The Brooklyn Bridge

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Carolyn Wood can be seen playing a Farfisa Compact Deluxe with The Brooklyn Bridge in 1970. Video from the performance is available on YouTube here. Wood is shown at the 2:10 mark.

See how Dylan Fernandez uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Dylan Fernandez

Keyboardist

Miranda and the Beat

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Fernandez can be seen playing a Farfisa Compact Deluxe with Miranda and the Beat.

See how Deborah Dayan uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Deborah Dayan

Keyboardist

The Ladybirds

...
Verified via Photo

Deborah Dayan played the Farfisa Compact Deluxe organ with The Ladybirds, an American all-female topless band, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Freddy Freeman uses Farfisa Compact Deluxe

Freddy Freeman

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Freddy Freeman played a Farfisa Compact Deluxe with the Minneapolis-based garage rock group T.C. Atlantic.

Genre Usage

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

1 alternative for Farfisa Compact Deluxe, curated by the Equipboard community.

Farfisa Combo Compact

$932.90

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

Both the Combo Compact and Compact Deluxe were a part of Farfisa’s Compact line. The organs look and sound nearly identical, however the Compact Deluxe has additional voices such as the 2-2/3' footage with an independent "brilliant" tab. Later models, such as the Combo Deluxe Compact I, also include a rhythm section (drum machine) of brush cymbal and drum.

More Farfisa Organs

Farfisa Compact Duo

 

# 59

Rank

Syd Barrett Brian Eno Richard Wright
17 artists using
Farfisa Matador

 

# 90

Rank

Camilo Salinas
1 artist using
Farfisa VIP 345

$1,444.48

# 93

Rank

Jamie Cook Riswan Soneta
2 artists using
Farfisa Matador M

 

 
Dylan Fernandez
1 artist using
Yamaha Reface YC Combo Organ

$359.00 - $499.99

# 1

Rank

Ambrose Kenny Smith Minoru Mukaiya Yasutaka Nakata
9 artists using
Korg CX-3 Organ

$350.00

# 2

Rank

Jack White Lee Ranaldo Brian D'Addario
47 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    hadridb
    hadridb

    Gear IQ 152