The Electric Organ produces its sounds from a mixture of mechanical and electric components. The most famous type is this Hammond organ. It contains a series of metal disks of different sizes that produce tones as they spin. Electric pickups by each disk pass the sounds to an amplifier and loudspeaker through which you hear the Hammond's characteristic tone.
Family |
Keyboards |
Pitch range |
Virtually the entire audible spectrum. |
Material |
Wooden cabinet, metal frame and mechanisms. |
Size |
Variable. |
Origins |
The electric organ was developed in the USA in the 1930s. |
Classification |
Electrophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the oscillation of an electric current, and can only be heard through a loudspeaker. |
And also... |
Blindfolded experts at Chicago University were unable to distinguish between a $75,000 Skinner pipe organ and the original Hammond model A. |