While in L.A., I attended a cocktail party on the roof of The Standard hotel, which has the item shown below on display in its entrance:
Before I became an accordion guy, I was a synth guy, and prior to that, I learned how to play keyboards (and bass pedals) on the organ. I remember seeing the organ pictured above – a Thomas 2001 “Space Organ” – at the Canadian National Exhibition in the late seventies and experiencing my first pangs of gadget lust. By today’s standards, I’m sure this instrument sounds cheesy and retro, but when I first heard it being played, it sounded like an instrument from the future.
I only wish it had been plugged in so I could take it for a spin. I’m pretty sure I could do a mean bossa nova version of KMFDM’s Stray Bullet on this baby!
Here are more photos:
7 replies on “Space Organ!”
Did I just read a KMFDM reference?
Joey just increased his cool-meter! =)
First thing I thought when I saw it: Enterprise console.
It would fit in so perfectly with the rest of the gadgets and doohickeys on the bridge.
Thanks Joey! You just made me flash back to your story about your days taking organ lessons, and having to play and sing from the Barry Manilow songbook at the recital, singing in your best Weirdly Gruesome voice, and being politely “asked” never to return!
Hmmm I see now where ST:tNG got it’s design esthetic.
KMFDM might increase cool factor doesn’t Bossa Nova version negate that ? 😉
My aunt June had one of those but would never play it for me. She and my father had both been taught keyboards from the time they were toddlers and my dad was the superior musician. I think she might have been embarrassed, despite the fact that I was disallowed by my father from learning the piano.
Thomas: Disallowed from learning the piano? Why?
Nerdgasm!