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Average Price: $799

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Description

The Farfisa Mini Compact is a celebrated gem from the golden era of combo organs, designed for musicians who crave that authentic vintage sound. Known for its unique all-transistor design, this organ delivers the classic tones that have graced countless iconic recordings. Its intuitive interface and sturdy build make it a popular choice for both stage and studio use.

Originally introduced in the 1960s, the Mini Compact continues to impress with its warm, full-bodied sound and versatile controls. It features a variety of tone colors, allowing players to seamlessly transition from smooth, jazzy undertones to bright, punchy leads. The organ's four-octave keyboard is perfect for musicians who need both portability and a wide range of notes to express their creativity.

Ideal for those who appreciate the distinct character of vintage instruments, the Farfisa Mini Compact offers a nostalgic yet timeless sound palette. Whether you're playing psychedelic rock, soulful blues, or experimental music, this organ can adapt to any style with ease. With its unmistakable voice and reliable performance, it's a beloved addition to any keyboard collection.

Key Features:

  • All-transistor design for authentic vintage sound
  • Four-octave keyboard for extended playability
  • Multiple tone colors for versatile sound shaping
  • Compact and portable for easy transport
  • Classic design with a sturdy build quality

Product specs

Brand Farfisa
Model Mini Compact Organ
Finish Gray with 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 37 Keys

FAQs

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

The Farfisa Mini Compact organ is known for its bright, punchy sound with a distinctively raspy, aggressive tone that stands out in combo organ music. It's ideal for rock and pop genres, providing a unique character that complements a variety of musical styles.

How many keys does the Farfisa Mini Compact have, and what is the key action like?

The Farfisa Mini Compact features 37 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience suitable for both live performances and studio work.

Is the Farfisa Mini Compact organ analog or digital?

The Farfisa Mini Compact is an analog organ, offering a warm and authentic sound that is characteristic of vintage electronic instruments from the 1960s.

What are the dimensions of the Farfisa Mini Compact organ?

While specific dimensions for the Mini Compact are not widely published, similar Farfisa models are compact and portable, designed for ease of transport and setup in live performance settings.

TheGuitarProfessionals

TheGuitarProfessionals

1967 Farfisa Mini Compact Echorec and the Doors

Video thumbnail for 1967 Farfisa  Mini Compact Echorec and the Doors by TheGuitarProfessionals

1967 Farfisa Mini Compact Echorec and the Doors

TheGuitarProfessionals

TheGuitarProfessionals

Video thumbnail for Farfisa mini Compact(og070) demo [organ69] by organ69

Farfisa mini Compact(og070) demo [organ69]

organ69

organ69

Video thumbnail for Farfisa Mini Compact demo *FOR SALE by Dustin Altick

Farfisa Mini Compact demo *FOR SALE

Dustin Altick

Dustin Altick

Video thumbnail for Farfisa Mini Compact Italy by johnnyangel69

Farfisa Mini Compact Italy

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Video thumbnail for 1967 Farfisa Mini Compact Echorec and the Pink Floyd sound by TheGuitarProfessionals

1967 Farfisa Mini Compact Echorec and the Pink Floyd sound

TheGuitarProfessionals

TheGuitarProfessionals

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Farfisa Compacts with germanium transistors offer a "fuzzy warm" sound, while later silicon models are described as "clean cheese."

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Internal spring reverb and tone boost knee lever on Compacts are noted for adding significant "mojo" to the sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Stage-ready Farfisa Compacts can cost between 1000-1500 Euros, depending on model and condition. Non-working units often found for 300-500 Euros.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that without MIDI, playing requires a traditional approach, enhancing its authentic vintage experience.

    Source
  • The Farfisa chord organ variant is known for its exceptionally loud sound, with some users acquiring it at low prices due to missing components like legs.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Mini-Compact's hand-built design from late 1965 involves complex wiring with frequency generator cards and dividers for each note.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners find the Mini-Compact easy to repair, with its internal wiring allowing for straightforward troubleshooting and maintenance.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Madlib uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Madlib

Rapper, Music Producer

Madvillain

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook photo, Madlib's Farfisa Mini Compact is visible, positioned directly beneath the Crumar Roadrunner 2.

See how Richard Wright uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Richard Wright

Singer, Keyboardist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Fika

FARFISA organ (1965-1972) – The ‘Farfisa’ is a two-manual organ console. In comparison to the more popular Hammond organ (see below), the Farfisa produces a more ‘classic’ organ sound. Wright included a Binson Echorec device for echo as part of his combo and managed to produce many unusual sounds out of it, by experimenting with the Echorec and the organ’s tone and pan settings. The Farfisa was Wright's main keyboard in the early years, when he was playing with Waters, Mason, Barrett, Klose et al. as Sigma 6, The (Screaming…, Architectural…, etc.) Abdabs, T-Set, the Pink Floyd Sound, etc. and was used almost exclusively up until The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn in 1967. Between 1967-72, the Farfisa organ played a crucial role in Floyd’s sound and was used for many of Rick’s leads, which he often panned around the auditorium using a special joystick (an ‘azimuth co-ordinator’ pot) stacked on top of the Echorec unit. Wright used the Farfisa for virtually every solo up until that point, e.g. “The Embryo”, “Fat Old Sun”, “Cymbaline”. He can be seen playing one in Live at Pompeii (1972) and in the studio it was last used for Dark Side (1973). On stage, Floyd kept touring with a Farfisa as part of their equipment while they were still performing live their pre-Dark Side set (e.g. “Careful with that axe, Eugene”, “Echoes” and “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun”). This organ’s sound has been strongly associated with certain tracks. In the last ever live performance of “Careful with that axe, Eugene” (in 5 May 1977) the absence of the Farfisa sound was clearly heard. Wright employed his Hammond (see below) and his array of MiniMoog synthesizers (see SYNTHESIZERS section) to play that rendition and the synth sound was somewhat alien to the piece. The organ in the intro of “Time” is the last time the Farfisa was featured in a Floyd recording.

See how Tim Gane uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Tim Gane

Guitarist, Bassist

Stereolab

...
Verified via Koly

This is a full list of Stereolab's live and studio equipment, circa. 2004.

See how Philip Glass uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Philip Glass

Composer, Music Producer

Polyrock

...
Verified via Photo

The Farfisa Mini Compact organ was a big part of the Philip Glass Ensemble’s sound. Often times, several Mini Compacts would be played on stage at once.

Michael Riesman (longtime Philip Glass Ensemble Musical Director) said in this interview, "When I joined, the keyboards consisted of three Farfisa Mini-Compact organs. That was it. Over the years of my involvement, the Ensemble went through a series of migrations to new hardware. The first was the replacement of one of the Farfisas by a Yamaha YC45-D dual manual electric organ, a wonderful machine with touch sensitivity and adjustable percussive attack."

Also in Philip Glass's book, Words Without Music, Philip goes into detail about finding Farfisas in classified sections and the like, "I picked up three Farfisa electric organs for two hundred dollars each from the Buy-Lines. This kind of used keyboard was easy to come by. Usually a few weeks after Christmas they could be found for sale. I always found them, without exception, in a knotty-pine paneled basement in Queens."

Glass still plays the Farfisa Mini Compact today, as you can see here.

See how Steve Reich uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Steve Reich

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Steve Reich is seen with 4 Farfisa Mini Compact organs on his this album cover. According to Pitchfork, "The Farfisas are played by Steve Reich and Philip Glass, joined by Arthur “Art” Bixler Murphy and Steve Chambers, while Jon Gibson supplies the steady maraca shakes." Note: Steve Reich is on the right and Philip Glass is on the bottom.

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21584-four-organs-phase-patterns/

See how quickly, quickly uses Farfisa Mini Compact

quickly, quickly

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by qqitemstorage, quickly, quickly is shown with a Farfisa Mini Compact organ, highlighting its role in their "mini corner" setup alongside other vintage gear.

See how David Bennett Cohen uses Farfisa Mini Compact

David Bennett Cohen

Keyboardist

Country Joe and the Fish

...
Verified via Photo

This newspaper clipping shows Cohen playing a Farfisa Mini Compact organ at an anti-HUAC rally. This article predates the band's first studio album, which was released in May 1967.

See how Connor Kennedy uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Connor Kennedy

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Connor Kennedy plays this organ

See how Don Merrill uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Don Merrill

Keyboardist

The Nude Party

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Don can be seen playing the Farfisa Mini Compact live on KEXP in 2019.

See how Carolyn Wood uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Carolyn Wood

Keyboardist

The Brooklyn Bridge

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Carolyn Wood can be seen playing a Farfisa Mini Compact organ on a television performance with The Brooklyn Bridge.

See how Lily Rogers uses Farfisa Mini Compact

Lily Rogers

Keyboardist

Miranda and the Beat

...
Verified via Photo

Lily Rogers of the Mystery Lights playing a Farfisa Mini Compact organ.

L

Lee Crabtree

Keyboardist

The Fugs

...
Verified via Photo

While Lee Crabtree was with The Fugs, the liner notes of "Don't Stop Don't Stop" mention his use of a Farfisa organ on several tracks. It's likely he played a Farfisa Mini Compact on tracks like "The Final Moments of J Humpington Billsworth." Additionally, Crabtree was known to use electronic or portable keyboards during live performances. Sadly, he passed away in 1973, making further confirmation challenging.

Album Usage

The Farfisa Mini Compact has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Farfisa Mini Compact, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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