Molly Ayala
The Magnus Chord Organ is a vintage electric organ that was first introduced in the 1960s by the Magnus Organ Corporation. The organ has a unique design, with early models being either laptop or tabletop, and later models featuring integrated legs and a lighted music stand. The organ uses a silent electric motor to force air through reeds attached to the keys, producing a distinct sound similar to an accordion or harmonica. While the organ may have limited functionality and a slow attack, it is possible to modify and repair it to improve its performance and create a unique instrument. With its rich history and unique sound, the Magnus Chord Organ continues to be a sought-after instrument, with many enthusiasts sharing tips and tricks for getting the most out of this classic device.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Magnus Harmonica Corporation |
| Founded | 1944 |
| Founder | Danish immigrant Finn Magnus |
| Location | New Jersey |
| Product | Harmonicas, accordions, bagpipes, mechanical reed organs |
| Materials | Molded-plastic reed comb |
| Sound | Distinct from other free reed aerophones with metal reeds |
| Electric Motor | Silent |
| Reeds | Plastic |
| Functionality | Airflow from the fan must be maintained |
| Models | Tabletop, free-standing, laptop |
| Octave | Two, Three |
| Chord | Six Major, Six Minor, Six Seventh |
| Case | Brown, Cream, Real Wood, Faux Wood, Orange Plastic |
| Volume Control | Located under the keydesk |
| Power | 120V, 50 CYC A.C., 42 Watts, 0.375 Amps |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the inner workings of the Magnus Electric Chord Organ
The Magnus Electric Chord Organ is a unique instrument with an interesting history and inner workings. Originally founded by Danish immigrant Finn Magnus in 1944 in New Jersey, the Magnus Harmonica Corporation (earlier known as the International Plastic Harmonica Corporation) supplied American troops during World War II. The company later marketed its products, including harmonicas, accordions, bagpipes, and mechanical reed organs, to children and beginners.
The plastic construction of the reeds in the Magnus Electric Chord Organ resulted in a distinct sound compared to other free reed aerophones with metal reeds. This styrene-based plastic construction also made the organ more durable and affordable. Early models of the Magnus Chord Organ were either laptop or tabletop versions, while later models featured integrated legs and a lighted music stand.
The electric chord organ's inner workings are quite simple. The only electric component is the motor, which is located inside the secondary case. When a key is pressed, air is forced through the plastic reeds, which are tuned to each key, creating a note. This air flow causes the reed to vibrate, producing an accordion- or harmonica-like sound.
The Magnus Electric Chord Organ is an intriguing instrument with a rich history and a unique sound. Its simple mechanism of using air flow and reeds to create notes showcases the innovation and creativity behind its design. With its affordable price point and distinct sound, the Magnus Electric Chord Organ has left its mark on the world of music.
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How to clean and maintain the organ
To clean and maintain your Magnus electric chord organ, follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to regularly clean the organ to prevent dust buildup, especially considering the presence of a bottom fan. Open up the organ and clean the inside thoroughly, removing any dust or debris. Pay special attention to the reeds, ensuring they are free from corrosion and buildup, as this can impact the sound quality and functionality of the organ.
If your organ is not functioning properly, it may be due to dirty bearings in the motor, causing it to turn slower, or a leak that is letting air out. Open up the organ and lubricate the motor bearings with detergent-free 30-weight oil. You can also adjust the airflow by throttling the air outlet to control the volume.
If your organ is out of tune, you can attempt to tune it like an accordion or melodica, but be cautious as it is easy to cause damage. You will need a set of fine jeweler's files and plenty of patience. Scratching the reeds in different parts can help tune the organ.
Additionally, consider sealing the edges of the organ to prevent leaks and ensure proper airflow. You can also modify your organ by adding features like a capacitive sensor breakout to trigger lights or a pressure sensor to determine motor speed.
By following these steps, you can keep your Magnus electric chord organ clean, functioning optimally, and producing the desired sound.
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How to play the organ
The Magnus Chord Organ is an electric chord organ that was first introduced in the 1960s. It is a mechanical reed organ that uses a plastic reed comb to produce its unique sound. The organ is played by pressing keys, which open a path for air to flow and vibrate against the reed, creating a note. The motor and fan are the only electric parts of the organ, and they are responsible for generating airflow. The Magnus Chord Organ has been described as having a distinct sound, with the keyboard and chord sections being slightly out of tune with each other.
To play the Magnus Chord Organ, one must first understand its basic mechanics. As mentioned, each key is attached to a reed, and pressing a key opens a path for air to flow, creating a note. The volume of the organ can be controlled by adjusting the airflow, either by throttling the air outlet or using a volume pedal. The organ also has a fan that generates airflow and can be loud, depending on the model.
When playing the Magnus Chord Organ, it is important to note that the keys may be smaller than standard piano keys. This is something to keep in mind when transitioning between instruments. Additionally, the attack of the organ has been described as slow, which can affect the playing style and technique required.
Maintaining and caring for the Magnus Chord Organ is also important for optimal performance. Regular cleaning of the reeds is necessary to ensure that they are not sticky, as this can cause dead notes. The organ may also require occasional repairs, and it is recommended to refer to repair guides or seek professional assistance for more complex issues.
Overall, the Magnus Chord Organ offers a unique playing experience with its electric motor and plastic reeds. While it may have some limitations, such as smaller keys and a slow attack, it can be a fun and enjoyable instrument for beginners and those looking for a unique sound.
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The history of the Magnus Harmonica Corporation
The Magnus Harmonica Corporation, originally the International Plastic Harmonica Corporation, was founded in 1944 in New Jersey by Danish immigrant Finn Haakon Magnus (1905–1976). During World War II, wood and metal materials for harmonicas were in short supply due to military demands. With the primary harmonica manufacturers based in Germany and Japan, enemies of the United States and the Allied forces, Finn Magnus developed and perfected the moulded plastic harmonica.
The Magnus harmonica used a moulded plastic comb and had far fewer pieces than traditional metal or wooden harmonicas, making it more economical to mass-produce and more sanitary. The styrene-based plastic construction resulted in a lower cost, greater durability, and a distinct sound compared to other free reed aerophones with metal reeds. Although the plastic reeds produced an inferior sound to many, Magnus harmonicas became commonplace, especially among children.
In 1948, the company began producing plastic harmonicas, including chromatic, 10-hole diatonic, and tremolo harmonicas. The company also produced accordions, bagpipes, and mechanical reed organs. The harmonica was a success, and by 1953, the Magnus Harmonica Corporation was manufacturing a Duo-Tone model double harmonica in the keys of C and B-flat with 10 single holes.
In 1958, Finn Magnus joined television salesman Eugene Tracey, and their company, now named the Magnus Organ Corporation, sold millions of inexpensive electric chord organs and songbooks until the late 1970s. Early Magnus Chord Organs were laptop or tabletop models, with later models featuring integrated legs and a lighted music stand.
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How to modify the organ
The Magnus Chord Organ is an electric reed organ that produces sound acoustically. The inner workings of the organ consist of plastic bits, which are the reeds, that give each key its tuning. As each key is played, air is forced by an electric motor through the reeds, creating a note.
Recording Modifications
The organ's sound can be recorded with a microphone, but some users may prefer to add a line output to allow for direct recording. This can be achieved by installing a piezo mic, which can be wired for under $10. The piezo mic can be taped to the most suitable position on the wood to achieve the desired sound.
Maintenance and Cleaning
To maintain the organ's functionality, it is important to regularly clean all the parts, especially the plastic reeds, to ensure proper airflow. Sealing the edges of the organ can also help prevent leaks and maintain airflow.
Motor Maintenance
If the organ is not functioning properly, it may be due to dry motor bearings. Opening up the motor and lubricating the bearings with detergent-free 30-weight oil can help resolve this issue.
Creative Modifications
Given the amount of internal space and the simple requirement of maintaining airflow from the fan, there are endless possibilities for creative modifications. Some ideas include adding a capacitive sensor breakout to trigger lights when keys are played or a pressure sensor to determine motor speed based on playing intensity. The organ could also be hooked up to the internet or equipped with solenoids to create a player organ.
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Frequently asked questions
The Magnus Chord Organ is an electric chord organ that was first manufactured in the 1960s by the Magnus Harmonica Corporation. The organ features an electric motor that forces air through reeds attached to the keys, producing a sound similar to an accordion or harmonica.
Playing the Magnus Chord Organ involves pressing keys, which open a path for air to flow and vibrate against the reeds, creating a note. The organ also has a chord section, which produces a slightly different tune from the keyboard section.
Some common issues with the Magnus Chord Organ include dead keys, sticky reeds, and a loud fan. The organ may also be out of tune, with pitches drifting from A440.
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