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organ from “riders on the storm” by the doors | ToneDB

riders on the storm

the doors

organ

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

An atmospheric and watery electric piano tone defined by a slow, deep stereo tremolo and reverb, often mistaken for an organ.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Rhodes Suitcase 73 Electric Piano

Amp: Fender Rhodes Suitcase Amplifier (built-in)

Processing: Built-in Stereo Tremolo (Vibrato), Studio Plate Reverb

Other: The Rhodes' stereo tremolo pans the signal back and forth, creating the signature watery effect. Recorded direct or close-mic'd.

Recording Notes

  • The primary keyboard sound is a Fender Rhodes, not a traditional organ.
  • The distinctive 'watery' sound comes from the Rhodes' built-in stereo tremolo effect, set to a slow speed and high intensity.
  • Liberal use of studio reverb adds to the atmospheric, rainy-day feel.
  • Ray Manzarek played both a Fender Rhodes Piano Bass (left hand) and the Suitcase 73 (right hand) on the track.
  • The rain and thunder sound effects were added separately during production.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Fender Rhodes emulation or sample.
  • Apply a stereo tremolo effect with a slow rate (around 1-3 Hz) and maximum depth.
  • Ensure the tremolo pans the signal left and right (ping-pong effect if possible).
  • Add a significant amount of plate or hall reverb.
  • Play sparsely and melodically, letting the effects create the atmosphere.

Sources