Hi Ian,

You may be surprised (or not) but I've heard of Claude Dupras as I keep a close watch on the Yamaha Music Festival. In fact, here are some excerpts of him playing the Electone HX-1 and Electone EX-42 in London, Ontario, in May 1987:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_th6mF4_XI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwbctDEuLaA&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErmSOORFFtY&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb_Oa2Ajh10&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMrCM-YHdaE&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65pf2KprsO8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CN_FMeJwFo&feature=related

...and some of his Yamaha synthesizer (FX-1 ??)demos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmtMvU6AjW8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adhCr3kvHCI&feature=related

It seems that the Technics Annual Organ Competition is no longer. Too bad as there was some real talent as well. Roland and Kawai had their own organ competitions but I can't recall whether these were local or international events. Any idea?

Here you'll find a pic of Kawai's top model, the Dreamatone DT9. As you notice, it comes with real drawbars. Kawai always had great organ voices. Actually, a Thai acquaintance of mine has the DT9 but he's back in Thailand now. That calls for a further investigation on my part...I wish! Price on the website is 17,258.72 USD.
http://www.yourhobby.nl/portal/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=753&fullsize=1
http://shop.kawai.co.jp/mshiroshima/images/20070318_01.jpg

By the way, did you get my email message which I sent today?

Regards

Taike



[This message has been edited by Taike (edited 09-23-2009).]