portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Friday, August 09, 2024

Light My Fire to I’m A Believer Watching the Detectives to Budapest, 96 Tears to Brown Eyed Girl all featured this little keyboard

Well again another fine compilation from Butterboy and this one appeals because out has so many bands that featured the Vox Continental keyboard and especially my favourite rock keyboard player Raymond Daniel Manzarek of THE DOORS 

but it is jam packed of period rockers that featured this canny little portable organ beloved of so many because you could sling it in the van with the drums and stuff and it had its own distinctive sound. Personally I liked it because it reversed the black and white keys but that’s how shallow I was and it din’t stop me wanting one! 
Here is what Butterboy says:



VOX BOX

VA - The Vox Continental Collection (A Butterboy Compilation) (5 x CDs)

"The Vox Continental Organ, a transistorized combo organ, was a revolutionary instrument that left an indelible mark on the music industry. Its popularity and widespread use in song creation can be attributed to several key factors.

Firstly, the Vox Continental was designed with the touring musician in mind. Its lightweight and portable design provided a stark contrast to the heavy Hammond organ, making it a more practical choice for musicians on the move. This portability allowed it to be a constant presence in live performances, thus contributing to its popularity.

Secondly, the unique sound of the Vox Continental set it apart from other organs of the time. The organ used a series of oscillators and a frequency divider to generate sound, resulting in a bright, vibrant tone that was distinctively ‘Vox’. This unique sound became synonymous with the music of the era, leading to its widespread use in song creation.

Moreover, the Vox Continental was versatile and user-friendly. It featured six slider-type, metered volume controls called drawbars, which allowed musicians to shape the organ’s sound to their liking. This level of control and customization made it an attractive choice for musicians looking to experiment with new sounds and styles.

The Vox Continental also had a significant impact on the aesthetics of the music scene. Its distinctive reverse-colored keys and chrome Z-shaped bolt-on leg stand assembly added a visual element that was as memorable as the sound it produced. This visual appeal further contributed to its popularity and iconic status.

The Vox Continental Organ’s popularity and its widespread use in song creation can be attributed to its portability, unique sound, user-friendly features, and distinctive aesthetics. These factors combined to make it an instrument that was not only functional but also iconic, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry. Even today, the Vox Continental continues to be a sought-after instrument, a testament to its enduring appeal and influence.

The Vox Continental organ was most popular during the 1960s and 1970s The Vox Continental also enjoyed another wave of popularity in the late 1970s. After being phased out of production in the early 1970s, the instrument remained a sought-after combo organ by enthusiasts. (B)

Provided here are100 tracks that prove the Vox Continental was important to the sound of many artists. 

I also have in plans for a New Wave Vox set. I just need to confirm that the tracks I have are actually Vox Continental related tracks. "

check out the selection and you will be pleasantly surprised I reckon 

The Doors to Dylan The Monkees to Van Morrison Tom Petty to Iron Butterfly Strawberry Alarm Clock to Madness The Beatles to The Velvet Underground Belle and Sebastian to The Zombies



The Doors - Soul Kitchen (Perception 12 disc remaster)

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