Documents - Jennings Organs, 1956
In terms of adverts and promotions, 1956 was relatively quiet for the "Jennings Organ Company". Various announcements show, however, that an enormous amount of work had gone on behind the scenes in the second half of 1955. Probably the most far-reaching development was the setting up a nationwide chain of distributors. The outlets listed were:
BELFAST - M. Crymble Ltd.
DUBLIN - McCullough's Ltd.
DUNDEE - Larg and Sons Ltd.
LIVERPOOL - Rushworth and Dreaper Ltd.
MANCHESTER - Forsyth Bros Ltd.
PLYMOUTH - Yardley and Co. Ltd.
SOUTH SHIELDS - Wiggs and Co. Ltd. (mentioned in November 1955).
By 1957 certainly, and probably before, Rushworth and Dreaper had its own ranges of handsome traditional pipe organs. Carrying electronic consoles made by Jennings doubtless posed no real threat to that business, initially at least.
The second development was a new range of Jennings organs - the V-series - and the consequent renaming, or better perhaps "redesignating", of the existing J-series models. The series was advertised for the first time in February '56.
The J51 gave rise to the "Model B Entertainment Organ" and later "Model D2". From the J52 sprang the "Model A", "Model C" and "Model E" Church Organs; and the J50 "Home Organ" became the "Model D1". These "Models" are in effect the "V-series". Most of the range, if not all, were equipped with earphone sockets for private practice.
Various circuit diagrams survive for both the "B" (i.e. the J50B, J51B, and so on) and "V" series organs. The only one that is dated is a sheet for the power section of one of the "V" units - recorded as having been drawn up on 15th September 1959, so probably a later addition to the range.
As in 1954 and 1955, Jennings took a stand at the British Industries Fair in London - at Earls Court in 1956, rather than Olympia. The J50C was promoted as an "All-Purpose Model".
One of the most striking things about the adverts for the "Model B" (formerly the J51) in 1956 is the note that units could be supplied with a power output of 30-100 Watts. 100 Watts! Presumably this colossal figure was achieved with at least four speakers - two in the organ itself, and two or more in the matching tone cabinet. Pictures taken by Derek Underdown indicate that Goodmans Audiom drivers are likely to been used.
Picture by Toni Standing of a photo taken by Derek Underdown. Jennings in early days regularly used Goodmans in its guitar amplifiers.
The J51/Model B with two built-in speakers, seen in pictures as early as 1954, is to all intents and purposes the "high power" version. See the advert placed in "The Stage" magazine, 5th May, 1954, on this page.
A range of practical applications and uses is suggested for the Model B (in contrast to the J51, which was recommended simply for "Entertainment" or the "Professional"): Dance Orchestra, Ballroom, Theatre, Hotel, Restaurant, and more. Perhaps something to look out for in the numerous British films of the 1950s with scenes set in clubs and bars - decadent "night life".
New material relating to the years currently in view - 1954-1956 - is likely to emerge from time to time, so do check back. Additions and corrections will be noted on the main "Updates" page of the site (link in the header of this page). Jennings ads in "Accordion Times", 1956, are mostly for the accordion side of the business - the "Jennings Accordion Company".
"Accordion Times", July 1956
Pages on 1954-1955 and 1957-1958 can be found here. Other years will follow soon. A sequence of pages on guitar amplifiers, beginning with 1957, starts here.
If anyone needs an unmarked images, do let me know.
1956
"Melody Maker", 21st January, 1956. What we would call nowadays a "break-out box" This plugged into the power section (and speakers) of an Organ or Univox. The keyboard could then be plugged into the box, along with other instruments. Another innovation well ahead of its time.
"Musical Opinion" magazine, January 1956, advertising Jennings's presence at the British Industries Fair exhibition at Earls Court. In previous years (1954 and 1956) the organs section had been at Olympia.
"Musical Opinion" magazine, February 1956. First advert for the new "V-series".
Music trade press, February 1956. New keying system - the Model B.
"Musical Opinion" magazine, April 1956.
"Melody Maker", 21st April, 1956. The new "Model B" (formerly the J51) and list of Jennings distributors.
"Melody Maker", 16th June, 1956. The new "Model B", part of the "V-series". Available with up to 100 Watts power output.
"The Stage", 21st June, 1956, a Jennings J51C for sale, secondhand, £450 - not too bad a price. The J51C was £525 new in late 1955.
"Musical Opinion" magazine, September 1956. Note the mention of earphones for private practice.
"Melody Maker" magazine, 15th September, 1956. The Jennings Model B - as used on "Double Your Money", which had moved from radio to ITV in 1955. The first host (for television) was Hughie Green.
Documents relating to Jennings (Vox) guitar amplifiers, 1957