Sam Skinner
I am a musician and technician based in Massachusetts. My main instrument has always been guitar but I have a deep passion for vintage keyboards. Starting in high school, I began an apprenticeship at a local guitar and tube amplifier repair shop. It was there that I learned how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and modify electronic circuits.
These experiences led me to study electronics in college at Wentworth in Boston and NETech. During this time, I became fascinated with the sounds and mechanics of vintage keyboards. In particular, the Mellotron. A tape-based sampler that could playback the sounds of flutes, strings, and anything else you could imagine. Over the years, I have been growing my collection of vintage keyboards and learning the ins and outs of these iconic instruments along the way.
In August of 2023, I officially started my repair business called Northeast Combo Organ. It has since been abbreviated to NECO to encompass a larger offering of products and services. Our mission is to offer specialized service and parts for the great portable organs of the 1960s and 70s like Farfisa, Vox, and Gibson. NECO also services a vast array of instruments including Hammond, Leslie, Mellotron, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Clavinet, Pianet, and most tube amplifiers.
