Farfisa Compact Duo (1966–1969)
A transistor-based combo organ from the mid-1960s, part of Farfisa’s Compact series, known for its reed-like tone generation and use by Pink Floyd’s Rick Wright.
Overview
The Farfisa Compact Duo is a combo organ made by Farfisa in the mid-to-late 1960s, introduced after the original Compact model as part of the company's expanding Compact series. It sits in the lineup between the Compact (1964) and the Compact Deluxe. This instrument gained notable use by Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright, contributing to the band's early sound. The organ uses divide-down circuitry and produces a reed-like tone, characteristic of many transistor organs of the era. It features an F/AR spring reverb, adding depth to its sonic profile. While few technical details survive, the existence of a dedicated power supply schematic confirms it was designed with an internal power system.
Design
The Farfisa Compact Duo is transistor-based and employs divide-down circuitry for pitch generation, with a tone quality described as reed-like. It includes an F/AR spring reverb unit, contributing to its distinctive audio character. A schematic for the "FARFISA COMPACT DUO POWER SUPPLY SCH" confirms the presence of an internal power supply. The Arturia Farfisa V software synthesizer was modeled in part on a real Compact Duo, with the developers noting they adjusted the emulation to sound "more vintage."
Context
The Compact Duo followed the original Farfisa Compact, which launched the series in 1964. It was positioned as a step-up model before the release of the Compact Deluxe. Advertising copy from the time promoted it with slogans like "HIT IT OUT ON A FARFISA 'COMPACT DUO'" and "Here it is the latest sound in...", suggesting it was marketed as a modern, performance-ready instrument. It belongs to the broader Farfisa Compact series, a line aimed at portable, stage-friendly combo organs.
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Related Models
- Farfisa Compact (1964-1972)
- Hammond C-3 (1955-1974)
- Hammond B-3 (1954-1974)
- Vox Continental (1962-1971)