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Vintage Synth Repair

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Humming Organ

Humming Organ

2003-09-22 by Cynthia Webster

Hi Judy!
 
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2003 20:17:38 -0000
> From: "Judy Morgan" <j_jmorgan@...>
> Subject: Need repair advice
> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> I just purchased a Baldwin Orgasonic 71L organ that makes a loud
> humming sound and I'm now looking for someone who can help me
> diagnose and fix the problem.  If anyone in this group can help, I
> would greatly appreciate it, as I know very little about electric
> organs.  Thank you for your time :-)
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> Judy
> 

I would start by experimenting with the way that your organ
is grounded at the electrical socket or not, and with the cables
to the amplifier internal or not.

Is there a reverb tank?  is it plugged-in?
Sometimes those spring reverb tanks don't actually like to
be grounded and they can be a terrific source of hum! LOL!

Anyway, you might just look in back of the unit and wiggle things
around gently.  

Those cylindrical electrolytic capacitors, (Condensers)
often go bad with age, and a major cause of trouble is where these fail at
the power supply which of course affects everything.

The Power Supply is inside next to the transformer and the AC Wiring.
(make sure it is not plugged in when you inspect this part! :)

Is there a ground connection here to the guts of the organ, and out
to the outside world?  (AC mains wall cable).
Got a spare fuse?

Actually looking carefully at all of the parts on the circuit board itself
you can often notice burn marks or "problem areas" yourself.
Play Sherlock Holmes if you like.

The Electrolytic Caps are easily replaced, however attention must be paid
to their polarity. The Black Stripe is the Negative wire,
and the Longer lead is the Positive.

Try The Organ Section of Ken Stone's Wonderful Site

http://www.cgs.synth.net/

http://www.cgs.synth.net/organ/index.html


Good Luck! 


Cynthia

http://www.cyndustries.com/

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Humming Organ

2003-10-18 by Judy Morgan

Hi Cynthia,
Thank you for the valuable advice! The problem was a burned out electrolytic condenser in the power supply. I called Bill from Arizona Organ Repair here in Phoenix, and he came to the house, found the problem, replaced the condenser, and the organ plays beautifully! Well, at least when he played it, since I'm in the early learning stage and transition from a piano, which I must admit I haven't played in years, to an organ! :-) But I'm really glad the organ has been fixed at a reasonable price, and I'll have many hours of enjoyment with it.
Thanks again,
Judy
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 3:18 AM
Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Humming Organ

Hi Judy!

> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2003 20:17:38 -0000
> From: "Judy Morgan" <j_jmorgan@...>
> Subject: Need repair advice
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I just purchased a Baldwin Orgasonic 71L organ that makes a loud
> humming sound and I'm now looking for someone who can help me
> diagnose and fix the problem. If anyone in this group can help, I
> would greatly appreciate it, as I know very little about electric
> organs. Thank you for your time :-)
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Judy
>

I would start by experimenting with the way that your organ
is grounded at the electrical socket or not, and with the cables
to the amplifier internal or not.

Is there a reverb tank? ; is it plugged-in?
Sometimes those spring reverb tanks don't actually like to
be grounded and they can be a terrific source of hum! LOL!

Anyway, you might just look in back of the unit and wiggle things
around gently.

Those cylindrical electrolytic capacitors, (Condensers)
often go bad with age, and a major cause of trouble is where these fail at
the power supply which of course affects everything.

The Power Supply is inside next to the transformer and the AC Wiring.
(make sure it is not plugged in when you inspect this part! :)

Is there a ground connection here to the guts of the organ, and out
to the outside world? (AC mains wall cable).
Got a spare fuse?

Actually looking carefully at all of the parts on the circuit board itself
you can often notice burn marks or "problem areas" yourself.
Play Sherlock Holmes if you like.

The Electrolytic Caps are easily replaced, however attention must be paid
to their polarity. The Black Stripe is the Negative wire,
and the Longer lead is the Positive.

Try The Organ Section of Ken Stone's Wonderful Site

http://www.cgs.synth.net/

http://www.cgs.synth.net/organ/index.html


Good Luck!


Cynthia

http://www.cyndustries.com/

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