“Even better than the real thing”?: Electronic organs and the dilemma of product mimicry

Andrew J. Nelson

Strategic Management Journal, 2025, vol. 46, issue 6, 1428-1452

Abstract: Research Summary Mimetic products like fake wood and fake meat pose a dilemma for producers. On the one hand, their core value lies in faithfully replicating a “real” referent. On the other hand, they must differentiate themselves. I explore this tension through a qualitative historical investigation of the first electronic musical organs: The Orgatron was a low‐cost close imitation of the pipe organ, whereas the Hammond was a lesser imitation that attempted to augment the pipe organ. Ironically, the Orgatron's superior imitation limited its success, whereas Hammond's lesser imitation enabled it to identify and develop new markets. My study suggests that the best product‐imitation strategy may not be faithful mimicry, but rather rapid augmentation. More generally, it contributes to the literatures on imitative products, positioning, and authenticity. Managerial Summary Mimetic products like fake wood and fake meat pose a dilemma for producers. On the one hand, their core value lies in faithfully replicating “the real thing.” On the other hand, they must differentiate themselves. I explore this tension through a historical investigation of the first electronic musical organs. One pioneer, the Orgatron was a pure imitation of the pipe organ, whereas the other, Hammond, was a lesser imitation that attempted to augment it. Ironically, the Orgatron's superior imitation limited its ultimate success, whereas Hammond's lesser imitation enabled it to identify and develop new markets. My study suggests that the best product‐imitation strategy may not be faithful mimicry, but rather rapid augmentation. More generally, it contributes to our understanding of imitation, positioning, and market exploration.

Date: 2025
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