Allen MDS-85 or Johannus Rembrandt 4900

[rgenung]

Looking for opinions. I'm about to make a major decision--whether to buy a 1990 vintage (digital) Allen MDS-85 (3 man/82 stops) or a 6-month old Johannus 4900 (4 man/83 stops). I have not played either organ, and have only heard Johannus via downloadable mp3 files from their website.
ISFAIK I've never heard the Allen.

The Johannus, BTW, owuld come with a full warranty. Haven't confirmed it, but suspect the Allen would have a 1 year warranty.

I'd appreciate any thoughts from members of this distinguished group.

Thanks,
Bob

[CMStrack]

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[rgenung]

Charlie,

Yes, I have the stop lists for both organs, and the price is comparable. The Johannus has a legit pedigree. The pedigree of the Allen is impressive as it was owned by a world class musician. At this time I'm doing a stop-by-stop comparison (flutes, strings, etc.) between the two organs. As a matter of interest, the stoplist of the Allen MDS-85 can be seen here: , and the Johannus here: .

I'm not into theatrical music, nor to any great degree evangelical aside from enjoying some liturgical music. I am leaning toward the Allen based on stops, but find the image of a 4 manual occupying a corner in my house an attractive one. And yes, I do know that a 3 manual is adequate for--dare I say it--all organ music--at least all but one or two pieces (?).

The organ (whichever one I get) will be put in my home, BTW. Fortunately have a home of about 6,500 sf.

Bob

[CMStrack]

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[dec]

there are only two classical organs available that are worth their weight in gold. Allen and Rodgers. The rest are want to be's. Allen is my bet. I play them both and have sold them both. dec.

[rgenung]

Have decided on the Allen. Thanks for the input.

Bob

[CMStrack]

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[radagast]

As much as I have been a supporter of Allen for many years (since 1971), I have to disagree. Walker makes and exceptional classical organ and Legacy makes the most stunningly real digital organ I have ever heard.

http://www.legacyorgans.com/entry.html

[M1994]

I never knew Walker even made classical instruments. That organ on wall street rocks though....I should take it when the church gets their aeoleon-skinner rebuilt.

[radagast]

I didn't know Walker did classical organs either until someone told me recently. They did a 5 manual organ in California at the South Shores Church in Monarch Beach. Wicks built the console and strangely, Wicks has a picture of the console on their website. Walker has three CD's of that organ and a fourth of a three manual church organ in PA. I was impressed by both.