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Average Price: $1,000

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$2000+

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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

What type of sound can I expect from the Fender Contempo organ?

The Fender Contempo delivers a classic 1960s analog organ sound, characterized by warm, rich tones suitable for rock, jazz, and psychedelic music genres.

How many keys does the Fender Contempo organ have?

The Fender Contempo organ features a full-size keyboard with 61 keys, allowing for extensive range and playability.

Is the Fender Contempo organ suitable for live performances?

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.

What type of keyboard action does the Fender Contempo have?

The Fender Contempo is equipped with synth action keys, which offer a smooth and responsive playing experience ideal for organ-style performances.

Does the Fender Contempo organ require any special maintenance?

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.

organ69

organ69

Fender Contempo Organ demo1 [organ69]

Video thumbnail for Fender Contempo Organ demo1 [organ69] by organ69

Fender Contempo Organ demo1 [organ69]

organ69

organ69

Video thumbnail for Fender Contempo Organ demo2 [organ69] by organ69

Fender Contempo Organ demo2 [organ69]

organ69

organ69

Video thumbnail for Fender Contempo Organ inside and out....way out... by sounddoctorin

Fender Contempo Organ inside and out....way out...

sounddoctorin

sounddoctorin

Video thumbnail for Fender Contempo Organ demo by The organ69s[organ69] by organ69

Fender Contempo Organ demo by The organ69s[organ69]

organ69

organ69

Video thumbnail for Fender Contempo organ (og016) demo [organ69] by organ69

Fender Contempo organ (og016) demo [organ69]

organ69

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

  • Tuning requires a specific alignment tool for the tuning coils; 12 coils correspond to each note in an octave.

    Source
  • Adjusting the coils involves careful turning to avoid damage; excess force can break them.

    Source
  • A video resource demonstrates the tuning process involving wax or gel application to stabilize coils.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user replaced the fixed power cord of their Juno 60 with an IEC connector, making maintenance easier.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Contempo was part of a setup that included pedals like Ross analog delay and Rat distortion, suggesting its integration into complex soundscapes.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the Contempo as part of a "synth trap" setup, emphasizing its role in a dense, immersive recording environment.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Fender Contempo is positioned among both classic and modern synths, highlighting its versatility and compatibility across different music genres.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keith Jarrett uses Fender Contempo

Keith Jarrett

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Keith Jarrett Trio

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Peter Holsapple uses Fender Contempo

Peter Holsapple

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Hootie & the Blowfish

...
Verified

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.

See how Biobazar (official) uses Fender Contempo

Biobazar (official)

...
Verified via Photo

you see this organ in the front of this picture..

See how Gordon Raphael uses Fender Contempo

Gordon Raphael

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, a 14-year-old Gordon Raphael can be seen playing a Fender Contempo organ during a concert.

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.

Novation Remote SL61
Novation Remote SL61 MIDI Keyboard Controllers
1
Yamaha CS15D
Yamaha CS15D Synthesizers
1
Aria Pro II Thor Sound
Aria Pro II Thor Sound Electric Basses
1
Ondioline
Ondioline Synthesizers
1
Behringer B2 Pro
Behringer B2 Pro Condenser Microphones
1
Ampeg VT-40 Amplifier
Ampeg VT-40 Amplifier Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus
Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1

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