Music Mate Portable (suitcase) organ

**kimert** · 10-10-2009, 10:40 PM

Has anyone here heard of one of these? The scematic on the inside says Milwaukee, WI, but I sure can't find any info on it. I just looking for the Company name, maybe the year it was built - that kind of thing...

Thanks!

Kim

**jimmywilliams** · 10-14-2009, 07:53 PM

Kim,

Try this site: http://www.combo-organ.com/

That site has tons of information about "combo" organs (which it the type of organ you have). These organs were portable and meant to be played in bands (combos) - there were many makes/models of them - most from the 60s-70s. Usually they have to plug intoa separate amplifier. The Music Mate brand/model does not "ring a bell" with me but maybe the people over at the website would know. Hope this helps.

- jim

**tomdooley21** · 07-14-2011, 04:18 AM

Here's just a bit of info...

The Music Mate is listed under the name Walker Music INC. They made Electronic Organs, and that appears to be it. The registered name is done in 1978, listed as a section 8. The name was apparently first used in 1977, on 12.15.1977, so this could only be from 1977 or 78. Also, I've heard one and they only have one tone, but it's fantastic.

A bit more info...
I'll buy it if you ever want to sell.

**psychobass** · 07-31-2012, 12:53 AM

Hey there, I bought one of these organs at a rummage sale. It works fine. I just can't find a use for it. You mentioned in a previous psot that you would by one. Still interested? Make me an offer. I have pics.

**Larrytow** · 08-02-2012, 12:41 AM

There was a shop in Milwaukee named DeLuca Brothers Music. They mostly imported instruments from Italy, and rebadged some, but not all with their own brand name. They did guitars and electric pianos mostly, but organs would not surprise me. They were still around in the mid 80s, but I have not heard of them since then. I kinda doubt they are still in business, but some checking might turn up info for them.

**Larrytow** · 08-02-2012, 04:43 AM

I thought I should amend my Bunk, Erroneous, Dyslexic, and Old Timers Memory !, information I gave in my last post. All of the above is true, Except the name of the company is LoDuca Brothers ! I was cleaning the shop tonight, and all of the sudden the correct name popped into my head.

They are still around also, but seem to be into selling wine and gourmet foods now. There is mention of the musical instrument department on their website, but that link will not work for me. Here is the link to the site :

http://www.loducawines.com/

**Jan Girardot** · 08-02-2012, 10:28 PM

LoDuca built some manual keyboards for Gulbransen and some other organ companies, as well. Pretty decent look and feel, though they suffered from hardening of the upstop bushings, just as did Pratt Read, their American competitor in Ivoryton, Connecticut.

. . . Jan
the OrganGrinder

**Jazzer** · 08-03-2012, 12:51 AM

There is a video of a Music Mate suitcase organ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ1CmSs9ZFg I had seen one once before, didn't meet my needs.

**Julesn** · 12-15-2012, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by psychobass

Hey there, I bought one of these organs at a rummage sale. It works fine. I just can't find a use for it. You mentioned in a previous psot that you would by one. Still interested? Make me an offer. I have pics.

My friend just got one of these off craigslist, but it needs some work. I was wondering if you have the wiring diagram (which was unfortunately lost by the seller) or if you have any pictures of the inside? Someone had been tinkering and rewired the fuse holder very poorly and I am not sure how to put it back the right way. Also, the fuse is missing so I'm not sure what to replace it with. It turns on and makes sound without the fuse, which I was surprised about. Any help with this would be much appreciated.