Unknown organ - need help!

[j-rod]

Hey!

I'm new to the forum (and actually not really an organist) but I need some help with identifying an electric organ. I play the piano and the guitar, with a little dabbling in keyboards and recording. I recently had someone offer me the attached electric organ as a trade for a Schwinn bicycle I'm selling on craigslist.

Since I don't know anything about organs, I thought I'd check here to see if anybody knew what kind of organ this is? The individual claims it was purchased for over $10,000 originally, although I don't know how old the organ is. I plan on seeing it in person before agreeing to the deal, but as of now I don't know what condition it's in.

My bike is worth about $300. I was originally selling it to purchase another guitar of equivalent value (something approx. $275 - $325). So I guess my question is this - do you think I would be getting more for my money if I took the organ in trade instead (provided it's in decent, working condition)? Or is it not worth my time and effort?

Sorry I don't have more details like make/model/year/etc. I'm hoping someone here can hep me out!

I appreciate the feedback!!

Thanks,
Jared

[tobeycat2007]

Looks like hammond collonade from early 80's, value depends on condition and what someone will pay but realistic value is difficult, you need to find a buyer who wants it. Here in uk value be couple hundred pounds, again condition vital. good luck.

[handyczech]

This is an early series Hammond Colonnade, manufactured late'70s early '80s. If you are looking to make money on a trade, forget it.

If you are looking to get this for rock or a gig, forget it.

All these need some work to make them work right and keep them working.

This is a nice organ for old people like me to play show tunes and theater music, but is not the traditional legacy Hammond system and style that people want.

Sadly, your bike is worth more. I bought mine for $200, it is the later model, and I know pretty much nobody wants it except me.

[j-rod]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I think that pretty much makes up my mind I don't need something else sitting around that requires a lot of upkeep! Looks like I'll be holding out for the guitar. Thanks again!

[pgonciarz]

Yea, don't waste your time. Don't forget those things are like 500 pounds so you'd need like 10 people to help you carry it. That's funny he said he originally paid $10,000 for that. I mean it could have been, but man that's a toaster, and honestly you'd be lucky to have someone agree to take it for free from a garage sale, let alone buy or trade it for something worth $300 - sorry not in this day and age.

[jdoc]

I have a similar organ a Hammond 8100 I was given for free. Most of it works and it sounds OK but the best part is the 2 speed Leslie inside. These LSI organs will not last like a tone-wheel organ