Thomas Organ Californian 266 Quadraphonic Electric Organ 1973 - Fully Original

🎹 1973 Thomas Californian 266 – Quadraphonic Analog Organ
Made in the USA • Fully Original • Fully Functional

This is a fully preserved, unmodified Thomas Californian 266 — a quadraphonic electric organ built in 1973 in Chicago, IL. Featuring dual 44-key manuals, a 13-note wooden pedalboard, and dual CTS speakers, it was one of the most technically advanced home organs of its time.

Unlike many vintage instruments, this unit offers not only analog warmth but also integrated quadraphonic output, onboard rhythms, and modular internal design — making it ideal for collectors, studio installations, or retro-sound modeling.
It features a fully analog tone engine with early IC-based control logic — making it a hybrid in control design, while remaining entirely analog in sound.

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📦 Key Specs:
• Model: Thomas Californian 266
• Build Year: 1973 (CTS code 137-7338)
• Power: 120V AC | 210W | 2.1A
• Dimensions: 44" L x 23.5" W x 37.5" H
• Weight: Heavy — approx. 200+ lbs (not directly weighed)

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🎛️ Features & Capabilities:
• Dual 44-key manuals (unweighted / synth-action)
• 13-note straight wooden pedalboard (chromatically marked)
• True quadraphonic audio output — separate routing for String & Solo channels
• Factory-installed CTS 12" full-range speakers (88-5077-2, matched pair)
• Built-in rhythm section: Foxtrot, Waltz, Rock, Samba, Bossa Nova, Polka, etc.
• Full analog tone tab set: Piano, Organ, Brass, Wah, Strings, Reeds, Harpsichord, Accordion, Mando, and more
• Onboard tremulant, sustain, expression, and tone control
• Cassette port, headphone out, RCA stereo IN/OUT
• Speaker toggle and quad tape inputs (rear panel)
• Includes: Original expression pedal and fold-down music stand

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🧠 Internal Tech (Verified):
• 2x CTS 12" speakers – stamped 137-7338 (Week 38, 1973)
• Amp chassis with heat sinks and internal cooling fans
• Dual transformers and analog oscillator boards
• All original wire harnesses and part tags intact (88-5570-1, 84 24677, 81 24632)
• No internal mods, no post-factory tampering
• Note: No paper manual, but all factory labeling is present and legible

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🪑 Cabinet & Build Quality:
• Mid-century walnut veneer with warm satin finish
• Original woven acoustic cloth side panels – clean, tightly mounted, era-correct
• Beveled woodwork, sculpted legs, rear venting
• Brass hardware and original trim intact
• A visually striking unit — blends into both studio and living space environments
• Built entirely in the USA, engineered to last decades

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🎵 Play Feel:
• Unweighted (synth-action) keys — fast, spring-return organ style
• Sliders and tabs are smooth and responsive
• Pedalboard is full wood with a natural feel
• Tone quality is warm, analog, and rich — ideal for re-amping, ambient layering, or creative sampling

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🚚 Pickup Only (Local):
• This is a large, heavy instrument and must be picked up in person
• Stored in a clean, dry, climate-controlled home
• Ground-level access with an uphill path around the dwelling (no stairs required)
• Assistance or professional movers highly recommended

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💡 Why This Organ Is Special:
This isn’t just a vintage piece — it’s a preserved example of American musical innovation. At a time when most home organs were downsizing and cutting corners, Thomas was building machines with full quad output, integrated effects, and tone shaping — all housed in hardwood cabinetry.

Few of the Thomas Californian 266 were made, fewer survive, and almost none remain in this condition. If you’re building a vintage studio, collecting rare analog hardware, or archiving sound history — this is a showcase piece.

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📌 Summary:
• 100% original – untouched analog internals
• Legendary quadraphonic output system
• Studio, museum, or performance-worthy condition
• A rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of true American-made electronics

💬 Questions welcome — serious buyers only.

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Pickup only • Payment via Reverb’s included options.