Rare Analog Keyboards in Thrift Stores

Tapetown
Oct 24
3 min read

Room filled with various keyboards and synthesizers on shelves and tables, creating a vibrant musical atmosphere. No people present.

Thrift stores can hide treasures like a beat-up analog keyboard priced at $50, ready to add warm tones to your songs. From the 1970s to 1980s, these keyboards were used by bands like The Doors and Supertramp, and some end up in second-hand shops due to their age. Here are 10 analog keyboards you might find at thrift stores or flea markets, perfect for music creation and recording studios.

1. Wurlitzer 200A

Era: 1970s
Used By: Supertramp on Crime of the Century
Sound: Warm, gritty electric piano for pop and rock.
Why It’s Exciting: Iconic tone for songwriting at a low price.
Thrift Price: $100–$300
Spotting Tips: Black and red body. Check keys and speakers for functionality.

2. Hohner Clavinet D6

Era: 1970s
Used By: Stevie Wonder on Superstition
Sound: Funky, percussive tones for grooves.
Why It’s Exciting: Pro sound for studio recording on a budget.
Thrift Price: $150–$400
Spotting Tips: Wooden body, black keys. Test pickups and tuning.

3. Farfisa Compact

Era: 1960s
Used By: The Doors on Strange Days
Sound: Bright, reedy organ for psychedelic rock.
Why It’s Exciting: Retro vibe for music creation and live sets.
Thrift Price: $100–$250
Spotting Tips: Red or gray body. Check for working drawbars.

4. Yamaha CP-30

Era: 1970s
Used By: Genesis for prog rock
Sound: Rich electric piano for melodic songwriting.
Why It’s Exciting: Portable and versatile for recording studios.
Thrift Price: $150–$350
Spotting Tips: Heavy, black case. Test all keys and outputs.

5. Crumar Performer

Era: 1970s
Used By: Italian disco producers
Sound: Warm string and brass tones for arrangements.
Why It’s Exciting: Lush sound for music production at thrift prices.
Thrift Price: $100–$250
Spotting Tips: Simple controls, black body. Check for noisy pots.

6. Korg Micro-Preset

Era: 1970s
Used By: Early synth-pop bands
Sound: Basic analog synth tones for electronic tracks.
Why It’s Exciting: Cheap entry to vintage synths for songwriting.
Thrift Price: $80–$200
Spotting Tips: Small, preset buttons. Test all presets and keys.

7. Vox Jaguar

Era: 1960s
Used By: British Invasion bands
Sound: Jangly organ tones for rock and pop.
Why It’s Exciting: Retro sound for performance gear on a budget.
Thrift Price: $100–$250
Spotting Tips: White and black body. Check fan and vibrato.

8. ARP Omni

Era: 1970s
Used By: Joy Division for post-punk
Sound: Warm string and synth tones for atmospheric tracks.
Why It’s Exciting: Pro-level sound for thrift store prices.
Thrift Price: $150–$400
Spotting Tips: Sleek design, string section. Test all sliders.

9. Elka Panther

Era: 1960s
Used By: European rock bands
Sound: Bright organ tones for classic rock.
Why It’s Exciting: Rare find with unique vibe for music creation.
Thrift Price: $100–$250
Spotting Tips: Wooden case, drawbars. Check for sticky keys.

10. Roland Juno-6

Era: 1980s
Used By: Early 80s pop bands
Sound: Warm, polyphonic synth for pads and leads.
Why It’s Exciting: Pro synth for songwriting at a steal.
Thrift Price: $200–$450
Spotting Tips: Black with red stripes. Test all voices and filters.

Analog keyboards like the Wurlitzer 200A or ARP Omni can turn a thrift store trip into a music creation goldmine. Test all functions and negotiate politely to score a deal. Check our articles on portable recorders for more thrift store finds to capture your ideas.

FAQs

What to check on a thrift store keyboard?
Test all keys, outputs, and controls. Listen for noise or dead notes.
How to spot a deal at flea markets?
Research brands like Farris or Cruma beforehand and test thoroughly.