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The Vox Continental was the first of these (1962) and had drawbars to create
sounds. The first three white ones allowed you to adjust the levels of the 16', 8'
and 4' registers whilst the two maroon drawbars offered a sine wave and a
reedy sawtooth wave. The fourth white drawbar was labelled 'IV' (known as the
'Rank IV' - dunno why!) and introduced higher harmonics. Below these were
the mains switch and a switch to activate a simple vibrato effect.
Of course, one distinctive feature of the Continental was the inverse keyboard.
This styling served no purpose other than to make the thing look more
distinctive. Another distinctive feature of the instrument was its striking, chrome
'Z-frame' legs - this thing just looked cool compared with the stuffy wooden
organ cabinets of the time!
Vox went on to make a dual manual Continental and other variations on the
theme. Later on, they produced the Jaguar but many claim that this is a poor
substitute for a Continental.
The Vox Continental's most famous user was probably Ray Manzarek of the
Doors but prior to this, it was also used by UK organist Alan Price (The
Animals), the Dave Clarke Five, the Tornados and countless others.
Although lacking the body and depth of a 'proper' tonewheel organ, the
Continental has a strong and distinctive sound nonetheless and still has many
devotees today.
The Kontakt version has been carefully scripted to recreate the front panel of
the original as closely as possible but with some obvious advantages too and
comes with amp simulation, rotary speakers as well as more modern effects
such as chorus and reverb.
This short manual will give you a guide to operation.
30/7/10
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