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Average Price: $1,000
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Description
Dive into the nostalgic soundscapes of the 1960s with the Fender Contempo, a true classic in the world of combo organs. Crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail as the iconic Fender Rhodes, the Contempo stands out with its solid wooden casing, giving it a robust yet elegant presence on stage or in the studio. This versatile instrument provides a dual voice system with bass and treble options, perfect for musicians looking to explore rich harmonic textures.
The Contempo's innovative design includes a unique Normal/Solo switch, allowing seamless transition between bass and treble voices on the bass keys. Add depth and character to your music with the built-in vibrato and tremolo effects, and brighten your sound using the Solo Timbre switch. What truly sets the Contempo apart is its distinctive volume pedal, which rotates side-to-side, offering unparalleled tone control and expressive capabilities. This feature empowers musicians to infuse their performances with dynamic variation and personal flair.
Whether you're channeling the spirit of classic rock or experimenting with new sonic territories, the Fender Contempo is your gateway to a vibrant and resonant musical journey. Ideal for both nostalgic enthusiasts and modern innovators, this organ is a testament to Fender's enduring legacy in musical craftsmanship.
Key Features:
- Dual voice system with bass and treble options
- Normal/Solo switch for versatile sound control
- Built-in vibrato and tremolo effects
- Solo Timbre switch for enhanced brightness
- Unique side-to-side rotating volume pedal for dynamic tone control
- Sturdy wooden casing for durability and classic aesthetics
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Contempo |
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 1960s |
| Categories | Organs |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the Fender Contempo organ?
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The Fender Contempo delivers a classic 1960s analog organ sound, characterized by warm, rich tones suitable for rock, jazz, and psychedelic music genres.
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How many keys does the Fender Contempo organ have?
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The Fender Contempo organ features a full-size keyboard with 61 keys, allowing for extensive range and playability.
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Is the Fender Contempo organ suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Fender Contempo's 61 full-size keys and analog sound make it a great choice for live performances, providing both versatility and a vintage aesthetic.
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What type of keyboard action does the Fender Contempo have?
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The Fender Contempo is equipped with synth action keys, which offer a smooth and responsive playing experience ideal for organ-style performances.
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Does the Fender Contempo organ require any special maintenance?
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As an analog organ from the 1960s, the Fender Contempo may require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, such as checking for component wear and ensuring stable tuning.
Videos
organ69
Fender Contempo Organ demo1 [organ69]
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Contempo.
Setup and maintenance
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Tuning requires a specific alignment tool for the tuning coils; 12 coils correspond to each note in an octave.
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Adjusting the coils involves careful turning to avoid damage; excess force can break them.
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A video resource demonstrates the tuning process involving wax or gel application to stabilize coils.
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Features and functionality
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The Fender Contempo is often used alongside a diverse mix of vintage synths like the CS-60 and modern ones like the DSI OB-6 for its unique transistor organ sound.
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Mods and upgrades
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A user replaced the fixed power cord of their Juno 60 with an IEC connector, making maintenance easier.
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Use cases and applications
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The Contempo was part of a setup that included pedals like Ross analog delay and Rat distortion, suggesting its integration into complex soundscapes.
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User experience
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Owners describe the Contempo as part of a "synth trap" setup, emphasizing its role in a dense, immersive recording environment.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
219
Unique sound, simple organ
Sound like mix of Vox Continental and Philicorda
Artist usage
Add artist
One of the most famous users of the Fender Contempo is Keith Jarrett when he played in Miles Davis group. The organ can be heard played together with a Rhodes electric piano on the Miles Davis record Live-Evil and by itself on some live recordings with the Miles Davis group, when Chick Corea took over the Rhodes and Jarrett only played the Contempo. Another recording is Ruta and Daitya with Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette.
Mentioned in the December 1984 Musician interview "America First: Seasoned Native Sons Follow Their Own Muse: The dB's" by Ira Robbins.
Peter Holsapple has two mid-60s Fender Stratocasters, modified with a 5-way pickup switch. He uses an Ampeg VT40 amp, Dean Markley strings, Ibanez stereo chorus and Electro-Harmonix Small Clone. For the album he also used a Sigma acoustic with a d'Armond pickup, a Harmony mandolin and an autoharp played with a drumstick. His keyboards are a Fender Contempo organ and an Ondioline. For the album, he used a Bosendorfer grand piano with extra bass keys.
Album Usage
The Fender Contempo 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 Fender Contempo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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