Gibson G-101
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[edit] Introduction
The Gibson G-101 was a model of combo organs, one of many makes and models of these electronic, transistorized, thin, high-pitched-sounding portable organs, most popularly used in rock bands of the mid- and late 1960's. The G-101 was introduced in mid-1966 as the Kalamazoo K-101.
[edit] Features
The Gibson G-101 was initially branded "Kalamazoo K-101," and was manufactured in the USA by the Lowrey Organ Company. Although the organ was available as both brands, they were one in the same, the only difference being the nameplates. It had two square, tubular, fold-out legs, and a drop panel that acted both as a stabilizer for the legs when standing, via thumb screws that attached to tabs on the back of the legs, and also as a cover for the folded-in legs during transport. It had a single manual of five octaves (61 keys), the bottom octave of which was fixed bass, having reverse-colored black-and-white keys similar to those on the Vox Continental; the second octave was grey-and-white, and was switchable as extended bass or left as a normal lower octave (many combos had similar features). The organ offered four "flute" footages and one flute mixture, and several "non-flute" voices and effects. Optionally, bass pedals were available. Other unusual effects on the G-101 featured "Repeat Percussion" which sounded like Tremolo, but it was a re-triggering circuit on the note instead of straight Tremolo. There was a "Repeat Rate" knob to control its off/on and speed. It also featured three Vibrato tabs (Off/On, Slow/Fast, and Light/Heavy), medium and long Sustain, Staccato, Kinura, Glide (which allowed a "pitch-bend" effect activated by a knob on the volume pedal),Trumpet Wow-wow, and Piano and Harpsichord-like voices that were not too typical on combo organs. The "Sustain" had its most dramatic effect on these latter two voices, leaving a jingling "after-ring" sound when the key was released. The Gibson G-101 was often mistaken for a Farfisa Combo Compact because of its drop panel design, even though the plastic top was black and the vinyl covering was of an unusual green-and-grey color scheme. The Gibson G-101 remains one of the most sought-after models of vintage combo organs by collectors, keyboard enthusiasts and players today. A G-101 in mint condition is likely to command a greedy premium. Also offered were the K-201 and the G-201, having a dual-manual design, but these were extremely rare.
[edit] Dimensions
40" long, 18" front-to-back, 8" top-to-bottom, 48" tall standing, 62 lbs.
[edit] Accessories
Volume or "expression" pedal (having a pitch-bend lever), music stand, cover, travel bag, optional bass pedal fixture, and an optional Gibson reverb amplifier designed specifically for the organ.
[edit] Links
Combo Organ Heaven Extensive website about various makes and models of combo organs.
