The Farfisa Combo Compact is a transistorized combo organ introduced in 1964 as a competitor to the Vox Continental. It became one of the best-known combo organs of its era.
Virtual Farfisa Combo Compact
FARFISA COMBO COMPACT
Overview
The Farfisa Combo Compact is a transistorized combo organ introduced in 1964 as a competitor to the Vox Continental. It became one of the best-known combo organs of its era.
Key Features
- Keyboard: Five-octave keyboard with one bass octave (inverse key colors)
- Sound Generation: 12 tone generator boards, one for each note of the scale
- Circuitry: Not fully transistorized, includes high-voltage tube circuitry for the reverb unit
- Voices: 16′ bass and strings, 8′ flute, oboe, trumpet and strings, 4′ flute, piccolo and strings
Controls and Effects
- Vibrato: Four settings
- Reverb: Three choices, built-in spring reverb system
- Bass Volume: Three switches
- Multi-Tone Booster: With knee-high lever
- Volume Control: Photoresistor-driven swell pedal
Design
- Portability: Integrated folding legs stored inside its base
- Color Options: Available in red or grey
Connectivity
- Outputs: Two jack outputs (one optional for bass)
- Headphone Output: For 2000 ohm-impedance headphones (now obsolete)
Historical Context
Introduced in 1964, the Combo Compact was part of Farfisa’s response to the Vox Continental. Its relatively low cost made it popular among amateur and semi-professional groups. The Compact line was available from roughly 1964 until about 1970.