There seems to be so little information on Technics organs now on the internet, your site is a real gold mine!! Until recently, I used to own (for about 15 years) a SX-E44, and have always been amazed at how good it sounded compared to other similar priced models at the time. Anyway, I have an opportunity to re-furnish myself with a Technics organ again, but I'm very outdated with the models. I've read a fair bit on your site, so that's helped me a lot, but I need a bit of your personal opinion. I'm looking at a few potential organs... the choices I have are an EA5, a GX3, a GN3 a GA1 and an EX70. From what I've read, the EX70 seems very much like my original E44 (but obviously updated and with more features), but I'm having trouble distinguishing which out of the other 4 are the better option. ~ Richard Goode 2005

I am facing some problem regarding my EA3 recording to laptop. I couldn't find any LINE IN on my laptop, so how can I do the recording without connect cable from LINE OUT (EA3) to my LINE IN laptop? ~ Teo TZ 2005

The line-in socket is found on all add-on sound cards. You may want to consider an external soundcard for your laptop, which should then provide you with a line-in socket. I understand Creative have quite a number of external soundcards specifically for laptops. Please check their website ~ Vincent

Would you happen to know the differences between an EN3 and GX3 organ, i.e. which is the more recent. What would be the better buy etc. ~ Graham Spicer 2005

The EN3 came out in 1991, while GX3 came out in the mid 80's.

GX3 is the higher range among the GX/EX series of that period while EN3 is the lower range among the EN/GN series of that period.

In general, E* are the lower end model, G* are the higher end models.

The most recent models before they stopped production are the EA and GA series ~ Vincent

My Wife has a GA 3 Would like the G100; I ran across your webb sight & enjoy it very much.Your wife is doing a good job helping you. I have a question for you .!!! I downloaded your disk ( very Good ) Can you tell me how I can play pre recorded music with out having to down load each song individually ?? ~ Don Beach 2005

Both GA3 and G100 has identical features except that G100 has got a more powerful amplifier, better looking cabinet and more pedal notes. This is what I recall from reading the specification sheets some years back. Since I have not played on a G100 (I wish I could!), I am not able to comment about the other less subtle differences such as ergonomics, build quality, sound quality of the drivers, etc. ~ Vincent

My dad, who is now 92 years young, has a SX-GA3 that he purchased about seven years ago. The floppy drive will no longer load disks (error code 00). I have even tried the Technics Demo Midi disks to no avail. Also, when trying to format new disks we receive an Error 08 code. By any chance would you know where I might be able to purchase a replacement drive? ~ Paul Dentler 2005

Sometimes it could just be dirty. It needs to be cleaned in the same way as a PC floppy disk. It is also good to use only a good quality and fungus-free floppy disk.
~ Vincent

I am musically and midi challenged but wonder if there is an answer to this question in your files somewhere.

My wife has a Technics EA-5 and cannot play it any longer due to illness. I have been trying to find music to play on it and have been told to try the midifiles. They only have one component in their makeup;

TUNE.MID

whereas the recordings made from her machine have 5 components

TUNE.LSW
TUNE.TM
TUNE.CMP
TUNE. SQF
TUNE.SEQ

Is there any way I can convert midifiles to the EA-5 format? Is there a place I can purchase music for the EA-5? ~ Norman Ince 2005

I have a question that you may be able to help me with - or - possibly steer me in the proper direction for the answer. I have a 3 1/2" disc that was generated on a Technics player piano of some sort. It contains music generated by one of my students. My question is, can files on this type of disc be converted to any other computer usable formats (i.e.; midi, wav, etc.)? ~ Jim Kay 200

Files created by the Technics organ sequencer (.seq) can be converted to .mid but some rather cumbersome steps are required. Look up in my Technical tips page. The files you are having may be created by some device other than a Technics organ and will require different conversion steps.

Any music/sound fortunately can be converted into .wav file rather easily but you will need an external device such as a PC with a sound card or a Hi-Fi CD recorder.
~ Vincent

I have SX-GA1. However, sad to say, I started learning organ since 1991 to around 1998 and when I was at grade 8 under LCM, I did not go for the both practical and theory exam due to personal commitments like exams and tests... which are more critical and important then to me.

Now, I would like to get my teacher back to teach me grade 8 songs and theory. I understand more hardwork has to be put in due to many years of off hand. I am currently shifting my organ from old address to new address. After that, there I go again, recovering my many years of interest back and hope to get more from my organ which I think it is quite high end piece already.

Do you have something to share about my SX-GA1? Though I am a grade 8 student previously, I have sort of forgotten what my SX-GA1 can do. I can't wait to play again at my new address after moving... cos there are restraints at old address... sigh...

Anyway, do you have a mover for organ to recommend me for my SX-GA1? Due to the width of the organ, I doubt it can pass through the door of my room. When I purchased the organ somewhere in 1996, I remembered that the installer separated the keyboard and the pedal part (total 2 parts) so that it can go inside my room... now I am having headache trying to shift to new location...

Hope that you have received several previous information about specialised movers for my organ and advise me. I have tried to call several movers however I know from them that they do not separate it into 2 parts and I am so scared that they spoil any parts of my very good condition and well maintain organ.~ Jennifer Chew 2005

Yes, I would have loved a GA1 instead of an EA3. It has significantly more functions. The main feature of the GA series is the extensive organ (drawbar) sounds.

You should move the organ with parts separated. In this way, the movers could pack better. It is actually very easy to separate the two parts, just some bolts to loosen and unplug two cables at the back. It is shown in the operating manual. The movers should be able to assist you. Yes, it is ok to be worried about the moving. A lot of organ I know gets spoilt because of moving and rarely from normal use. ~ Vincent

Do you know of a source for 3-1/2" pre-recorded disks to play on a Technics SX-GX?? ~ Art 2005

You may want to try this website: http://www.stylediskwarehouse.com/

Before you actually buy these disks, you should download the free sampler to test it out on your GX series organs.

You may also want to check out Technics Music Disk collection. A few sites sell them. I found one of the site here: http://www.discountpianosoftware.com/index.cfm click Technics under "choose your brand"

I am unable to comment on which is better of the two as I have used the free demos only occasionally ~ Vincent

I have an Electone EL-90 that I really like for many reasons, but I have considered a Technics for a better over-all organ sound (classical, theatre, etc.) What is your opinion on comparing the Yamaha EL-90 with (say) a Technics SX-GA3 or F-100. I am not familiar with the Technics line, so any information would be greatly appreciated. If you want to mail me anything on the Technics, I thank you in advance. ~ NA Clark 2005

Feature wise on paper, the EL-90 should be comparable to a GA3. Over here, the Yamaha (EL-900) sells at a much higher price compared to the GA3 back in 2002.

If you have some time to do some serious manual reading I have links in my webpages to retrieve both GA3/FA1 operating manuals. I have a link to download a coloured GA2 brochure. GA2 is almost identical to a GA3 but sold in certain countries only.

One BIG difference, which may ultimately sway your decision is after sales servicing. As you may know, Technics have stopped organ production a few years back. You can only get Technics from the 2nd hand market these days. But Yamaha organ range seems to be growing all the time. The new Yamaha Stagea organ sounded and looks very impressive. ~ Vincent

For portability, I wish to disconnect and use only the keyboard from the stand and foot pedals, however in doing so the output volume defaults to zero. I tried to locate the technical manual for this and was unable to fine it. Any suggestions? ~ James Skipper 2005

I inherited a beautiful Technics FN3 organ from my parents about 12 years ago. I am a piano player, having taken lessons for 7 years a child, but I never learned the foot pedals required to play an organ. I want to play the organ using the Auto Play Chord mode or the One Touch Play mode. However, the accompaniment and percussion associated with these modes are much too loud, drowning out the melody played with the right hand on the upper keyboard.

Can you explain how to reduce the volume of the lower keyboard chords and rhythm and/or increase the volume of the upper keyboard? It's probably very simple, but I haven't figured it out yet. Now that I'm retired, I'd love to spend more time playing the organ than dusting it! If you know where I could get lessons on the FN3 in southern California, I'd appreciate that information, too. ~ Linda Jones 2005

Linda figured how to do it eventually. Here is what she later wrote: Chapter 24, entitled "Auto Play Chord," there are instructinos for
"Adjusting the Volume." In the Volume section on the console just left of the upper keyboard, I used the down buttons to adjust the volume for Accomp, Bass, and Drums. This solved the problem. The volume of the rhythm accompaniment and
percussion is lower, allowing the melody on the upper keyboard to be heard. ~ Vincent

Is the SX-EA3 set up to record from the organ to a stand-alone cd burner (rather than a PC)? I can't find anything online that says so and thought you might know. I'm looking for the most user-friendly method for my neighbor, who doesn't like to mess with computers.~ John Ray 2005

Yes you can do so although I have not personally tried it. I do not have a stand-alone CD burner (CD recorder). From the little information I managed to dig up from my own Marantz PM17 integrated amplifier manual, you will first need to connect the organ (via line out) to a spare Left & Right Auxiliary inputs of an external amplifier, then hook up the CD burner to the amplifier via interconnection cables. ~ Vincent

Today, June 26/05, I found your website through GOOGLE but only the comment, question and answer part. Would you please direct me to your main technical website, which the others are raving about? ~ Frank Pernigoni 2005

I supposed Google have directed you to my Mail Bag pages. In all my webpages, there are buttons at the top of the pages, which will link you to other pages, i.e. the orange coloured buttons that looks like a tab on an organ. ~ Vincent

My 84 year old father just purchased an SX-EA3 which arrived today. He is familiar with another model of Technics organ which he plays at his home in Florida. In the summer he lives with me in Michigan, but missed his organ playing. Of course the organ came without the operating manual.
I attempted to download the file from Technics (Panasonic), but was not successful in completing the process even after several attempts. I am generally savvy when it comes to this sort of thing, but not this time. I suspect that, even though the file appears on the website, perhaps this site is malfunctioning or is no longer supporting the file. Can you suggest where I might find the file to download from an alternate source? ~ Bill Stevens 2005

If you are still having problem, let me know. I will e-mail you the file instead. You e-mail must be able to handle the 6 MB file size. ~ Vincent

Vincent, I am looking to purchase an FA1 or F100. I am in the Albany, NY area. Would you be willing to post this want on your web site? ~ Bob Ricchiuti 2005

I like to buy a EA3 organ but can you send me some mp3-files that you have created with the EA3? I like the organ sounds. ~ Guy Verheyen 2005

Found your web by accident, what do you know about a sxGX6M? About what year made, quality line, etc. ~ G A Lynn 2005

Have been a Yamaha man for last 30 years and have been offered a GX5 (no instruction manual) but can’t find any info on it anywhere. Can you help please? Do you know if it has a sequencer? ~ David Forsey 2005

Your brilliant technical tips refers to the "Cakewalk" software. The seems to be an confusing array of different programs marketed by them - can you please say which program/module is required. ~ David Forsey 2005

I have just inherited a Technics SX-EX70 organ. I have limited knowledge of Technics organs but would very much like to be able to learn to master this one. I am having great difficulty in finding a manual for this model. Do you have any suggestions as to where I could download one? Also, is there another model that is similar enough for me to be able to use that manual to find my way around the SX-EX70? ~ Dennis Lines 2005

Just want to let you know that now online The Dutch Organforum at http://www.yourhobby.nl The organforum for every brand. You can become a member and meet each other on the web ~ Richard en Gea 2005

I believe this invitation is open to all but most of the content is in Dutch ~ Vincent

Couple of queries you may be able to help me with;using the sequencer(which I do quite a lot),is there any way I can record tricky bass lines to the pedal sounds from the lower manual?At present I'm recording a bass sound copied to the lower memory bank then copying to the pedal track,less than ideal I'm sure you'll agree.Another one;is there any way of programming composer styles dry,i.e. without reverb?I have a couple of commercial discs which came with the instrument on which the drums are
dry in the patterns,so it must be possible! I'd be interested to hear any ideas on these,
~ David Mar 2005

1) Use STEP record (my personal favourite). Press STEP Record button. All the 16 tracks will be shown on the LCD panel. Select the Bass track. Edit or add the notes of those difficult measures using the Pedal board. If the difficult tracks are repetitive, it is better to use method (2) below.

2) Use the COMPOSER. It is similar to using the pre-programmed bass loops in the built in rhythm patterns when you select Auto Play. Press Composer button. Select a memory location from the LCD panel. If you intend to create a Bass Loop track from scratch, select Clear from the LCD button. Select Bass, select Step then proceed to edit or add the bass notes using the lower keyboard. (Optionally, instead of Step record mode, you can choose to record along with the metronome beats). This is a simplified approach to create the Composer bass tracks. You will first need to understand the other basics associated with Composer, like number of measures, selecting the chord, defining the accompaniment tracks instrument sound, etc.

3) Convert the Lower Sound track into Bass track. This method does not really offer any significant reduction of the steps compared to what you are currently doing. Press the Sequencer Recorder button. Take note of the Lower Sound 1 (LS1) track position. (If you cannot find LS1, assign an unused track to become LS1. Press Sequencer – Track Assign – scroll to any track – scroll the Parts to LS1) Now go and press Sequencer Recorder button. Select LS1. Select Rec function. Then proceed to record the bass notes using the lower keyboard. Use only the lowest octave in the lower keyboard. After the recording is finished select Sequencer button, select Track Assign from the LCD panel, scroll to the same LS1 track and change it to BAS (Bass). Upon playback, what you have just recorded using your lower keyboard will be converted to a bass note instead.

On your other question, I am not at all sure how we can adjust the effects on the percussion sounds (reverb effect?) From my limited understanding on percussion sounds, only a change of the drum patch can significantly alter the individual drums, cymbal sounds. I think we cannot change the drum patch on Technics organ. Of course we could still send the percussion data to an external MIDI machine to obtain superior percussion sounds. ~ Vincent Mar 2005

I was offered a Technics SX-GA3. I know nothing about these instruments. What can you tell me? It appears to be in excellent condition. Should I buy it? How much should I pay for it? I understand that technics stopped making these in 1996. There are few parts around for repair should it suffer a breakdown. How durable/relable are these organs? Will it last? Please help me. ~ Ted April 2004

My name is Ernie and I live in the UK. I was hoping you could help me out with a dilemma I am having. At present i have got a Technics GA3 organ and have been offered a Yamaha AR100 Organ. Have you had any experience with Yamaha Organs? Is the AR100 a better sounding organ than the GA3? Basically should I go for the Yamaha or should I stick to my Technics? Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. ~ Ernie Jan 2004

To anyone out there that has played on both the AR100 and GA3, do you have any specific comments for Ernie. Your help appreciated. ~ Vincent Jan 2004

ANYTHING at all would help. I have run some 'searches' but just turn up NOTHING on it. Either very few of these were sold, or the ones that were have all been dumped!! ha cuz they sure don't show up on the internet.

Thanks for ANY help or direction you can point me in. ~ Christopher Vermillion June 2003

You can download the SX-EX5L operating manual from this Website http://www.panasonic.co.uk/customer-support/download-centre.asp
EX range was superseded by the EN range then followed by the EA range. ~ Vincent June 2003

Dennis followed up immediately after the first e-mail with this:
Thank you so much for your reply. I located the number on the web to call Technics. The number I found is 800-PAN-TUNE or 800-726-8863. They called me back later and I was able to ask several questions about the EN4 and EA3. They are not compatible. Technology changes so fast it seems. The EN4 was made in 1991. The GA3 was made in 1994 and the EA3 was made in 1995. Did they build any organs since 1995? A piano store not too far from here let me know that Technics are not building organs any more. The keyboard has taken over the market it seems.

If I was to purchase an organ I lean toward the EA3 rather than the EN4 after looking at the specs. There is lots more in the EA3. The EA3 is capable of using the high-density disk as well as the double-density disk. EN4 only can use the double-density disk. The EA3 is compatible with general midi and the standard midi file. This should mean that if I recorded a song and recorded as SMF I could take it to my Yamaha CVP-107 and play it. The file may have to be converted which would make it unusable back on the Technics?

The CVP-107 has been lots of fun. There is so much in it to use a person does not know where to start. There does not seem to be any teaching material to develop the student in using all the facets that are built in to these instruments. After playing the EN4 I started realizing the potential that these Techics organs have.

Even if I am not able to locate an instrument for at home I will check back at your web site. It is great to have access in this manner.

Good to know that Technics was able to assist you with your question so quickly. On your other question:

"The EA3 is compatible with general midi and the standard midi file. This should mean that if I recorded a song and recorded as SMF I could take it to my Yamaha CVP-107 and play it. The file may have to be converted which would make it unusable back on the Technics?"

To convert your recorded performance on an EA3 into equivalent MIDI file (without any omission of the rhythm and automatic accompaniments) will require a PC with the appropriate software and a MIDI cable connecting the PC and the EA3. It is not so straightforward. For the reverse, assuming your Yamaha recorded performance can be converted into MIDI file, you ought to convert this MIDI file into a compatible Technics sequencer file, but this time, you do not need a PC. I have written quite a bit on these conversions (MIDI to EA3 and EA3 to MIDI) in my website (Technical Tips). You may want to refer to these articles for more details. ~ Vincent June 2003

One other alternative is to just download someone else's different foxtrot pattern. It may be from a higher end model, say GA1 or GA2. You could also just buy the rhythm patterns from the Internet. I found one site that sells this, http://www.technote.com/. I have not used their commercial music disks before therefore you may want to ask for some trial samples before you actually purchase them.

As to your second question regarding playing the auto accomp along with the pedal, I suppose you meant selecting AUTO PLAY CHORD and ACCOMP 1/2/3 buttons as you play. Firstly I need to know whether you play AUTO PLAY CHORD using One Finger or Fingered mode? If you are using Fingered mode (i.e. playing with all 3 or 4 fingers on the left hand), you may want to switch off the AUTO PLAY CHORD but keep ACCOMP 1/2/3 on. In this way, you can just play the pedal note yourself. If you are using One Finger mode, you have no choice but to accept the auto bass sound.
~ Vincent Nov 2002

The expression pedal may become loose over time. The pedal tends to tilt to loud position under its own weight when loose. Get your local Technics rep to tighten the bolt and nut assembly if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. It is actually just a simple repair job. ~ Vincent Nov 2002

Has any one done this successfully? If you have, please enlighten us. I have written to Technics on this matter. This is the reply from the folks at Technics Musical Instruments, music01@PANASONIC.com:

~ Vincent Dec 2002

Unfortunately, I am not familiar enough with KN2000 to offer any specific advice. My personal experience with MIDI conversion was only with the SX-EA3 but considering that the EA3 organ has so much in common with the KN keyboards, my comments below should be quite applicable to any Technics instrument.

Converting SX-EA3 Technics Sequencer File into the Standard MIDI file format using the MIDI-FILE-SAVE option on the disk drive menu (page 96 of manual) will result in loss of data. Although the keyboard notes will be intact during the conversion,but there were two major problems…firstly, data from the auto drums (NOT keyboard percussion data), auto play bass and accompaniment patterns are not converted. Secondly, the Technics selected musical instruments are not carried over into the MIDI sequencer data.

The logic of the conversion is stated in the EA3 manual, e.g. data from Upper Sound 1 track will be converted into MIDI channel 1, Bass track into MIDI channel 7, Technics Keyboard percussion into MIDI channel 10 and so on for the entire 16 MIDI channels (tracks). The auto drum, auto play chords and accompaniment patterns are not "configured" as separate Technics Sequencer tracks hence won't be automatically converted into an equivalent MIDI channel.

Those complete General MIDI files available on the net and the ones that come with the PC soundcard have the drums and its fancy accompaniments written on multiple unique tracks where each and every snare drum, cymbal, plucked bass or guitar strum are represented by a corresponding note. (You will be able to see these unique notes if you open the file using Cakewalk or something similar). In contrast, the auto drums, auto play bass and auto accompaniment patterns on the EA3 are just 2 or 3 measures long being looped repeatedly.

In summary, there is no simple way of converting the looping auto drums, auto play bass and accompaniments patterns in EA3 or KN2000 into equivalent MIDI tracks, but I have came across on the Internet various commercial conversion software, e.g. EMC, written specifically for the newer Technics keyboards that could do this conversion.

A second method requires hooking up the organ/keyboard via MIDI cables to a Personal Computer equipped with Cakewalk software (WARNING - this method is not for the faint hearted!). Lawrence S Cohan wrote some excellent documents on this method at http://home.comcast.net/~larrycohan/technics/ and http://home.no/gunnar-jonny/bobs/midiout.htm (Pete, thanks for directing me to these Websites). Another excellent write up by Armando Lozano on this method is available at http://www.arloga.com/technics/technics.html (Kenneth Kwan, thanks for directing me to Armando's website). For additional specific EA3 issues on the conversion, refer to my Technical Tips page. ~ Vincent Feb 2003

Technically, it is possible to use the sound edit but I have personally never attempted to use the sound edit to emulate a classic Hammond organ sound. I am therefore asking anyone else who is reading this if you can assist Hubert.

The closest sound in my opinion to a drawbar sound on a EA3 is to use 16' + 51/3' + 8' + 4' + 22/3' + 2' + tremolo or alternatively select Luscious Sound of the organ preset.
~ Vincent May 2003

Erik later wrote in to inform that an external sound module could achieve what Technics could not. Here is his full write up.

My name is Erik and I'm writing in regard to the mail bag posting on emulating the classic Hammond organ sound. I am a Technics SX-EA-5 owner (for over 5 years) and tried all I could to reproduce "that tone" - always resulting in "cool" EA-5 organ tones - but never even coming close to that original Hammond tone. I do not believe it is possible to emulate these tones because of the difference in the technology used to build organs today as opposed to 50 years ago. Hammond organs of the 50's, 60's and 70's had no internal computer of any kind and instead used a series of motor driven "tone wheels" (small metal cylinders) to produce sound, a real spring reverb, a vast many vacuum tubes, an oil tank (yes, you actually had to put organ oil into your Hammond to keep the motors running smoothly), and if you were an enthusiast, you also had a large Leslie rotating speaker system (some of Hammond's home models had an amplified speaker system built in). All of these factors combined made the tone so many have grown to know and love. In comparison, if you open the cabinet of a new Technics organ you will instead find a series of circuit boards and computer chips. The computer produced tones of the Technics organ are just that - COMPUTER PRODUCED. While the instrument tones of the upper and lower sound groups are well recorded samples that faithfully reproduce the original instruments, the actual organ tones and drawbar octaves are a series of electronically produced sounds within the digital world of bits and bites. The drawbars on the SX-EA-5 are the equivalent of a digital mixer controlling digitally produced tones (solid-state; no moving parts), the drawbars on the Hammond work as an analogue mixer activating tones produced on the various tone wheels (motor driven, physically moving parts).

I love my SX-EA-5, probably the most versatile organ I've ever owned, but immediately regretted selling my B-3 (the SX-EA-5 takes up far less space in my studio) when I came to that sad realization that the Hammond organ tone is pretty exclusive to Hammond organs. As a professional musician, it was a disappointment at first - I had to totally rework my tone within my band - frustrating for all involved. Over the years I have come up with a new repertoire of nice Technics organ tones - which I am confident to say cannot be reproduced by a classic Hammond organ. I still, however, felt at times that something was missing - something that could only be solved by a Hammond.....

Earlier this year I found my solution. While shopping online for a new mixer I happened across a little rack mountable sound module manufactured by E-MU (ensoniq music) called the definitive B-3. When I read the short summery I thought it all sounded to good to be true - no way could a 4 LB. module reproduce the wonderful tones of a classic 400+ Lb. B-3. With a list price of $800 and a sale price of $350 (and a no-frills money back guarantee) I figured I'd give it a test drive. When the module arrived I immediately routed the midi and ran the B-3 module back through the SX-EA-5 line inputs for amplification. Simply put, I was blown away!!! The module did everything it promised - when I closed my eyes and played I would have sworn that there was a Hammond B-3 in the room again. The E-MU B-3 has 512 user definable memory slots - more than I will ever need; unbelievable Leslie rotary control; an endless pallet of user controllable drawbar settings; full layering and split capabilities; digital effects processing; etc.. The module was created using samples from a real Hammond B-3 (they even put a mic IN the B-3 cabinet to capture the sound of the motors!). I have heard nothing else that even comes close to that Hammond sound (other than a Hammond).

In summary, the Technics organ can produce an endless variety of "modern" solid state organ tones. When I purchased my SX-EA-5 I compared it with other organs that fit within my budget, and hands down this organ came away with the most bang for my buck. For a mere $350 I have added the sounds of the classic Hammond B-3 to the already wonderful repertoire of tones of the SX-EA-5. If the classic Hammond tone is what you seek, check out this module. The E-MU B-3 is a wonderful addition to your technics organ. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out - download the mp3s to hear the E-MU B-3 solo. http://www.emu.com/products/b3/b3.html


A friend in Detroit,
Erik Kassab (July 2003)

Images of Erik's basement hideaway.