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Gospel Instruments => Organ Room => Topic started by: musicmajordjs on June 27, 2008, 04:34:12 PM

Title: Organ Models
Post by: musicmajordjs on June 27, 2008, 04:34:12 PM
Which models do you all like the best and which do you currently play

Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: musicmajordjs on June 27, 2008, 06:34:53 PM
Wow  ?/? in the organ room people dont want to talk about organs
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: sonicfoxbody on June 28, 2008, 03:46:47 PM
For the money I like an a100, can be had cheaply and sounds great. Of course everyone loves a B3 but everyone who sells them are either extremely proud of them with their price tag or they're 'worn out' I currently play with a alesis and a VOCE Micro B. Soon to upgrade to a Nord C1 (I have to remain portable as I only gig, I don't have a home church). If I were to buy a console organ it'd definately be a C3 C2 or a100 dollar for dollar they're the best bang for your buck rather than a "Well used B3"
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: docjohn on June 28, 2008, 05:48:20 PM
hey Sonic,have you played a C1 yet? hear they are improved over the 61 sound,so it's gotta be awesome.I use a voce V3,which is pretty cool.Our MOM just got a XS 6 motif ,.the sounds are KILLER.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on June 28, 2008, 09:56:21 PM
Which models do you all like the best and which do you currently play


I've played C3's, B3's, and even an A100. As of yesterday, I now officially own a 1945 Hammond CV. I like them all. Every Hammond I've played has its own distinct tone. They produce the same general tone, but each one seems to have different nuances that make me say "oh I like this C3 better than that C3 over there". I haven't had a chance to actually play my CV yet, but I've fooled around a little on it. So far I'm in love with the tone. It does have the infamous B3 tone we all know and love. If you can deal with the lack of percussion and split vibrato/chorus, and ratcheted drawbars, it's a great organ and I'm proud to own this true piece of heartwork.

Okay, now I gotta show off my new baby.  ;D

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1598/cv001gw7.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1598/cv001gw7.jpg)
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3035/cv009id0.jpg (http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3035/cv009id0.jpg)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on June 30, 2008, 08:56:43 AM
I've played C3's, B3's, and even an A100. As of yesterday, I now officially own a 1945 Hammond CV. I like them all. Every Hammond I've played has its own distinct tone. They produce the same general tone, but each one seems to have different nuances that make me say "oh I like this C3 better than that C3 over there". I haven't had a chance to actually play my CV yet, but I've fooled around a little on it. So far I'm in love with the tone. It does have the infamous B3 tone we all know and love. If you can deal with the lack of percussion and split vibrato/chorus, and ratcheted drawbars, it's a great organ and I'm proud to own this true piece of heartwork.

I play a B3 at church and I have a A100 at home.  I also have a Korg CX3 that I take to gigs sometimes.  A couple bands I play with do blues and jazz, so it comes in handy.  Like RMS said, every Hammond is different.  I like the key action on the organ at church more than the one at home.  My organ keys are tighter for some reason.  Oh, I might be wrong but I don't think the racheting drawbars came until the late 60's
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on June 30, 2008, 10:40:30 AM
  Oh, I might be wrong but I don't think the racheting drawbars came until the late 60's

The ratchet drawbars were on the early models like the BV, CV and model D. Those were made up until 1949, then then they started making the B2 etc

I HATE the ratchet drawbars!

My favorite model is the A-105. It looks just like the C3, but has internal speakers and reverb just like an A-100.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on June 30, 2008, 10:50:41 AM
The ratchet drawbars were on the early models like the BV, CV and model D. Those were made up until 1949, then then they started making the B2 etc

I HATE the ratchet drawbars!

My favorite model is the A-105. It looks just like the C3, but has internal speakers and reverb just like an A-100.
The only drawbars I know of are the smooth ones and the rachet style.  Am I missing something?  The B3 at church is a 1969 model and has the rachet drawbars.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on June 30, 2008, 11:06:37 AM
The only drawbars I know of are the smooth ones and the rachet style.  Am I missing something?  The B3 at church is a 1969 model and has the rachet drawbars.

Thats impossible, unless somebody swapped them from an older organ. I think the C2s and B2s might not have smooth drawbars. Does your organ have percussion? if not it may be a B2, which explains the drawbars The ratchet ones are the ones that stop after each number when you pull them out. It makes it very hard to quickly change registrations.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on June 30, 2008, 11:32:04 AM
Thats impossible, unless somebody swapped them from an older organ. I think the C2s and B2s might not have smooth drawbars. Does your organ have percussion? if not it may be a B2, which explains the drawbars The ratchet ones are the ones that stop after each number when you pull them out. It makes it very hard to quickly change registrations.


The organ at church is definately a B3 and has the racheting drawbars.  I checked the serial number with Tonewheel General and it's a 1969 model.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on June 30, 2008, 11:35:19 AM
The organ at church is definately a B3 and has the racheting drawbars.  I checked the serial number with Tonewheel General and it's a 1969 model.

Thats wierd dude.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on June 30, 2008, 11:43:26 AM
Thats wierd dude.
They also have the engraving on the drawbar fronts.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on June 30, 2008, 11:56:39 AM
They also have the engraving on the drawbar fronts.

That makes it even wierder, cuz only the newer ones have engraved drawbars. I truly doubt you have true ratchet style drawbars. Are you able to position the drawbars between the numbers or only exactly on the numbers? Because the ratchet ones only allow you to put then in 9 positions, unlike the new ones.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: musiqisme26 on June 30, 2008, 12:12:17 PM
The organ at church is definately a B3 and has the racheting drawbars.  I checked the serial number with Tonewheel General and it's a 1969 model.


it could also be that your organ is not completely original as far as the parts for the particular model


i know a guy that buys junked b3's and use a100 parts and sells them as genuine b3's so u never know
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on June 30, 2008, 01:42:34 PM
That makes it even wierder, cuz only the newer ones have engraved drawbars. I truly doubt you have true ratchet style drawbars. Are you able to position the drawbars between the numbers or only exactly on the numbers? Because the ratchet ones only allow you to put then in 9 positions, unlike the new ones.
You can put a drawbar inbetween numbers but I was under the impression the racheting drawbars were the ones that have the detent(click) at each number.  I could be wrong on that.  I haven't played on a Hammond older than 1960.  As far as the parts, just about everything on the B3, C3, and A100 are interchangeable.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: bluemagic on June 30, 2008, 07:52:05 PM
You're right midi, the racheting drawbars are the ones that have the detent (i.e., clicks or stops) on each number.  However, if you position the drawbarbar in between the clicks you shouldn't get any sound.  Whereas the smooth drawbars are "infinitely" adjustable and the particular harmonic sound is present regardless of position.

From what I've read on the Internet, ratchet type drawbars were used up until mid-1954 and then Hammond switched to the smooth type for both console and spinet organs.  I'm also surprised that your 1969 B3 has the ratchet type; it may have been modified in the past by a previous owner. 

I own a Hammond C2 (with TREK II percussion and 145 Leslie) and it has the detent type.  I only paid $975 for it back in 1987 which makes it one of the best investments I've ever made.  I wouldn't sell it for any price but I must admit the $200 Native Instruments B4 Organ Simulation Software sounds very impressive.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on June 30, 2008, 09:49:25 PM
Smooth drawbars will click a little bit, but they are also continuous contact which means the tone is not interrupted between drawbar numbers. Hop on that B3 you play and take any drawbar and go from 0 to 8 and see if you lose the tone while pulling out the drawbar. If so, you have ratcheted drawbars.

I am definitely not a fan of ratcheted drawbars either. They are hard to adjust and they have to be set just right or you won't get any tone. It's not a priority right now to make any changes to my CV's drawbars, but eventually I will get the smooth drawbars kit from Smooth Move Products.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 01, 2008, 06:14:09 AM
The drawbars on my organ as well as the ones at church must be the smooth type; even though they click at each number.  The tone is continuous.  Thanks for all the info.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: docjohn on July 01, 2008, 12:44:09 PM
when it comes to B's ,you can never be to  sure.Played a "B3" in what appeared to be an "A" case;it was physically  4" narrower than a real B.some of what these cats do in swapping cases and building organs out of junkers,etc amazes me.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 01, 2008, 01:14:33 PM
when it comes to B's ,you can never be to  sure.Played a "B3" in what appeared to be an "A" case;it was physically  4" narrower than a real B.some of what these cats do in swapping cases and building organs out of junkers,etc amazes me.
The folks I bought my A100 from purchased it from the original owner in the hopes they could chop it.  I guess they didn't realize an A chassis isn't good for that mainly because the pre-amp sits under the tone generator as opposed to behind it in the B and C chassis.  I haven't ever measured the width, but I can see how the A100 might be narrower due to the thickness of the wood sides on the B3. 
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: sonicfoxbody on July 03, 2008, 08:45:17 PM
hey Sonic,have you played a C1 yet?
Yes I have, loved it, and I think it's worth the $2,700 price tag at Sam Ash however I'm not going to pay that. I'm patiently awaiting for the right one to roll around on ebay, they truly sound great, the traditional Nord 'red' color is definately a attention seeker and flashy in my opinion, pair it up with a set of pedals and I'm ready to go.....

Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: X-66 on July 03, 2008, 10:40:04 PM
I never met a Hammond I didn`t like; God must have inspired it`s inventor, it`s such a work of genious.  Why is it that a Hammond sounds the best when it`s malfunctioning?  The instrument is so complex in it`s sound production, that every person who plays it can sound diffrent; unlike a pipe-organ for instance, where a sound is either on or off, you have thousands of tone combinations possible with the drawbars.  Add a Leslie or two, and some cabs in a big room, and it sounds like the Angel Choir!  I love your site, I`m looking forward to learning a lot.....  John
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on July 05, 2008, 12:18:43 AM
X-66, you make an excellent point. Hammond's are so old now that no one really remembers what they sounded like when they came straight out of the factory. The tone we have grown so accustomed to hearing is from aging components. Many people leave the old paper wax caps in their TWG. I've heard a few people say they didn't like the tone after recapping their TWG. The wax caps are so old they have long ago drifted from their original values. This can drastically affect the tone. Worn out tubes can cause distortion at low volume. Lack of oil in the Leslie motors can cause the rotors to rotate slower than normal. All of these factors play a part in how your organ will sound.

I personally love the sound of tube distortion and a sluggish Leslie. Others like the clean tone and a well maintained Leslie.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: BimmerFan99 on July 05, 2008, 12:42:40 AM
I love a clean tone.  Nothing bothers me more than a muddy, distorted organ.  I like hearing more distinction in the sound when I make minor adjustments on the drawbars.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: GSM on July 14, 2008, 08:38:03 PM
The folks I bought my A100 from purchased it from the original owner in the hopes they could chop it.  I guess they didn't realize an A chassis isn't good for that mainly because the pre-amp sits under the tone generator as opposed to behind it in the B and C chassis.  I haven't ever measured the width, but I can see how the A100 might be narrower due to the thickness of the wood sides on the B3. 


I believe DocJohn was referring to the original model ''A" (mid 1930's), and not the A-100 series.  The model, A is shaped just like a B-3, except, like Doc mentioned is a few inches more narrow.  Those organs are so old, that there are not many around(but I happened to play one just a few days ago.

I've owned at one time or another, most of the consoles and tube leslies that hammond made...Including the model A, and as mentioned there are so many factors that change the color of tone, that each one does have a unique sound.  Old timers will tell you that CV/BV are actually the best sounding hammonds, but it just doesnt have the flexibility with percussion and all.  I do have two  B3's that I use for recording in the , but we do also have a B2(unmodified so it has ratchets) and it is a great sounding organ.  I live closer to St Louis, than Chicago, but I've talked to old hammond dealers in Chicago, and many of them consider the B3000(a glorified model H) the console the ruined Hammond.

By the way, when I was a hammond hunter, God gave me great favor, I've owned over 40 or so. ..I've purchased c-3's for $250, and leslie for $75, and I turned down A-100's.  The most we ever paid was $1,000, and that was for a mint condition 1958 B3,tone cabinet, and leslie.  That was the one and only time we ever paid a grand for a hammond.  Now I just have the (2) B3's, a B2, and a m2

**the worse thing you can do, is not play a hammond...secondarily, is to not oil, or overoil, out of all that I've owned, I never put a trek unit, or transistor amp..some of them organs 70 years old, and still playing strong
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: DirectingOrganist on July 14, 2008, 11:01:16 PM
The C3 is my personal favorite but I like the B3 and the B3000 is ok
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 15, 2008, 09:46:37 AM
I never met a Hammond I didn`t like; God must have inspired it`s inventor, it`s such a work of genious.  Why is it that a Hammond sounds the best when it`s malfunctioning?  The instrument is so complex in it`s sound production, that every person who plays it can sound diffrent; unlike a pipe-organ for instance, where a sound is either on or off, you have thousands of tone combinations possible with the drawbars.  Add a Leslie or two, and some cabs in a big room, and it sounds like the Angel Choir!  I love your site, I`m looking forward to learning a lot.....  John
I find it quite interesting that Mr. Hammond never intended his inventions to be run through a Leslie speaker.  I've read many times that he actually didn't like that sound.  Later on, he must have realized how much everyone else loved the Hammond/ Leslie sound and he didn't fight it anymore.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on July 15, 2008, 09:56:13 AM
I find it quite interesting that Mr. Hammond never intended his inventions to be run through a Leslie speaker.  I've read many times that he actually didn't like that sound.  Later on, he must have realized how much everyone else loved the Hammond/ Leslie sound and he didn't fight it anymore.

I think thats how the story goes. Without the leslie, hammond would be nowhere as popular. When was the last time you've seen a hammond w/o a leslie? Pretty rare.
With the exeption of a few recordings, you will never hear a hammond w/o a rotary cabinet on a song
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 15, 2008, 10:42:34 AM
I think thats how the story goes. Without the leslie, hammond would be nowhere as popular. When was the last time you've seen a hammond w/o a leslie? Pretty rare.
With the exeption of a few recordings, you will never hear a hammond w/o a rotary cabinet on a song
I believe the original intent of the Hammond organ was to be an alternative for pipe organs.  It never quite acheived that but it became an entitiy of it's own with the help of Don Leslie of course.   ;D
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on July 15, 2008, 10:47:24 AM
I believe the original intent of the Hammond organ was to be an alternative for pipe organs.  It never quite acheived that but it became an entitiy of it's own with the help of Don Leslie of course.   ;D

yup. Thats why the drawbars each represent pipe leangths. He better be glad that the black church, and the Jazz cats started using them, or else he would not have made it very far. You cant really replace a pipe organ with a hammond.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 15, 2008, 10:59:53 AM
yup. Thats why the drawbars each represent pipe leangths. He better be glad that the black church, and the Jazz cats started using them, or else he would not have made it very far. You cant really replace a pipe organ with a hammond.
The black churches that could actually afford to spend $2500 on an instrument in the 60's   That was like buying a car.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on July 15, 2008, 11:04:20 AM
The black churches that could actually afford to spend $2500 on an instrument in the 60's   That was like buying a car.

good point, but by the 60's there were hammonds that were aready 25 years.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 15, 2008, 11:18:05 AM
good point, but by the 60's there were hammonds that were aready 25 years.
True, but it wouldn't have been a B3 which was what everyone seemed to want.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on July 15, 2008, 11:23:04 AM
True, but it wouldn't have been a B3 which was what everyone seemed to want.

Thats when they started selling fish dinners. They had to pay for that organ somehow. And they did have financing
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: BimmerFan99 on July 15, 2008, 08:48:27 PM
I find it quite interesting that Mr. Hammond never intended his inventions to be run through a Leslie speaker.  I've read many times that he actually didn't like that sound.  Later on, he must have realized how much everyone else loved the Hammond/ Leslie sound and he didn't fight it anymore.

Oh, I think he fought it until the end.  He never liked it and made so much fuss about it that Don Leslie never had to advertise his speakers.

Here's some more info: http://www.mitatechs.com/leslierumors.html (http://www.mitatechs.com/leslierumors.html)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 16, 2008, 12:28:51 PM
Oh, I think he fought it until the end.  He never liked it and made so much fuss about it that Don Leslie never had to advertise his speakers.

Here's some more info: [url]http://www.mitatechs.com/leslierumors.html[/url] ([url]http://www.mitatechs.com/leslierumors.html[/url])

I'm basing my assumption on the fact that there were a few Hammond branded Leslies in the early 70's using Leslie's rotosonic drum.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on July 16, 2008, 12:32:23 PM
I'm basing my assumption on the fact that there were a few Hammond branded Leslies in the early 70's using Leslie's rotosonic drum.

That was after he retired
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 16, 2008, 12:44:28 PM
That was after he retired
That's a shame seeing as much of the Hammond's popularity was due to "that" sound.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: BimmerFan99 on July 16, 2008, 10:32:26 PM
Well, I could understand Laurens Hammond's standpoint.  It was his creation after all, but if he really wanted to make money, he had to follow the market.  Mr. Hammond owed many of his profits to Leslie.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: GSM on July 17, 2008, 12:04:50 PM
I'm basing my assumption on the fact that there were a few Hammond branded Leslies in the early 70's using Leslie's rotosonic drum.


M...thats funny, part of my collection used to be the  X-77(which again is a glorified model-H....model H,B3000,and X77 pretty much have the same inerts...and sound!!)...I was not comfy putting one in a church, so I kept them at home, but my wife likes them as furniture pieces.  i currently dont have any hammonds at our home, but she's been on me to find an X-77 to match her living room decor....as for the leslie, the x-77L, i found it useful for parts for my tube leslies

 http://www.myplanet.net/x77dude/photos.html (http://www.myplanet.net/x77dude/photos.html)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 18, 2008, 08:59:38 AM
M...thats funny, part of my collection used to be the  X-77(which again is a glorified model-H....model H,B3000,and X77 pretty much have the same inerts...and sound!!)...I was not comfy putting one in a church, so I kept them at home, but my wife likes them as furniture pieces.  i currently dont have any hammonds at our home, but she's been on me to find an X-77 to match her living room decor....as for the leslie, the x-77L, i found it useful for parts for my tube leslies

 [url]http://www.myplanet.net/x77dude/photos.html[/url] ([url]http://www.myplanet.net/x77dude/photos.html[/url])

I guess those organs make better furniture than they do instruments.  I often play at one of our sister churches and they have a B3000.  I loathe playing it but I have to make the most of it.   :D
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on July 18, 2008, 09:08:11 AM
M...thats funny, part of my collection used to be the  X-77(which again is a glorified model-H....model H,B3000,and X77 pretty much have the same inerts...and sound!!)...I was not comfy putting one in a church, so I kept them at home, but my wife likes them as furniture pieces.  i currently dont have any hammonds at our home, but she's been on me to find an X-77 to match her living room decor....as for the leslie, the x-77L, i found it useful for parts for my tube leslies

 [url]http://www.myplanet.net/x77dude/photos.html[/url] ([url]http://www.myplanet.net/x77dude/photos.html[/url])

I guess those organs make better furniture than they do instruments.  I often play at one of our sister churches and they have a B3000.  I loathe playing it but I have to make the most of it.   :D


I like the design of the x66. Very 70's retro.

(http://www.tonewheel.net/pics/organs_leslies/hammond_x-66_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 18, 2008, 10:23:35 AM
I like the design of the x66. Very 70's retro.

([url]http://www.tonewheel.net/pics/organs_leslies/hammond_x-66_1.jpg[/url])

I'm sure Mr Hammond probaby ran to the kitchen to get a knife when he saw them for the first time.   ;)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: Fenix on July 18, 2008, 02:07:47 PM
I wanna play the organ. That is a beautiful looking instrument.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on July 18, 2008, 03:47:21 PM
I've heard the X-66/X-77. It's a very different beast from the infamous Hammond tone. It's definitely not for the gospel/jazz/blues application.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 18, 2008, 03:50:21 PM
I've heard the X-66/X-77. It's a very different beast from the infamous Hammond tone. It's definitely not for the gospel/jazz/blues application.
How about at a baseball game?    :D
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: GSM on July 18, 2008, 04:47:34 PM
I've heard the X-66/X-77. It's a very different beast from the infamous Hammond tone. It's definitely not for the gospel/jazz/blues application.

I'm not a fan of the x-77, it just doesn't have the depth, I really didnt even like it as a practice organ because of the light keys(like a spinet).....x-66 is one of the few, that I didnt own, ....but from what I understand, it is meatier and a much better organ than the x-77...I do remember seeing on TV a few times Jimmy McGriff using the X66 in concert but if I remember, he has 147 connected(probably custom)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: docjohn on July 19, 2008, 06:57:08 PM
Believe it or not;think the x66 or 77 was on a top 40 in the 70's-why can't we live together or something like that,just a organ(not a B but Hammond),a drum machine,and vocals.Had an x77,didn't like ANYTHING about it-the keys just felt crappy,sounded worse.The black and chrome was kool;actually used those pedals and bench with my B3-high gloss black(and my footswitch Marcus ha ha )Is that B3000 that bad too?
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 19, 2008, 09:22:18 PM
The black and chrome was kool;actually used those pedals and bench with my B3-high gloss black(and my footswitch Marcus ha ha )Is that B3000 that bad too?
Doc you and your footswitch.  ;D  The B3000 is horrible to me.  Whenever I have to play it, I have this urge to break into "Take me out to the ball game"   :D
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: boogiesibley on July 20, 2008, 08:25:03 PM
I play a C3 at my church, but I don't have an organ at home. One day I hope to have either a C3 or a B3. Right now I'm just using the organ sounds on my keyboard. I also hope I get the chance to play a B3 one day.  :)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on July 21, 2008, 11:28:54 AM
One day I hope to have either a C3 or a B3. Right now I'm just using the organ sounds on my keyboard. I also hope I get the chance to play a B3 one day.  :)

Don't discount the earlier -V or -2 series Hammonds. I've had my Hammond CV for over 3 weeks now and love it. Many people don't realize that you can get the infamous "B3 sound" from the earlier models because they're virtually identical, aside from no percussion and the -V series doesn't have split vibrato/chorus.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on July 21, 2008, 11:36:49 AM
aside from no percussion and the -V series doesn't have split vibrato/chorus.


And the ratchet drawbars.

And i believe that the keys are different on the CV, they didnt feel as rounded  as the newer ones. I'd rather just shell out the money and get a fully loaded organ
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on July 21, 2008, 11:38:52 AM
Don't discount the earlier -V or -2 series Hammonds. I've had my Hammond CV for over 3 weeks now and love it. Many people don't realize that you can get the infamous "B3 sound" from the earlier models because they're virtually identical, aside from no percussion and the -V series doesn't have split vibrato/chorus.
Good points.  I've often heard that a CV has more bite(Could be the preamp)  Since most gospel players don't use percussion, that opens up the number of options.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on July 21, 2008, 11:50:14 AM

And the ratchet drawbars.

And i believe that the keys are different on the CV, they didnt feel as rounded  as the newer ones. I'd rather just shell out the money and get a fully loaded organ


You think you've got everything and then you realize you've missed the biggest con of all. IMHO, the ratcheted drawbars are the only true disadvantage. But all is not lost. Smooth Move Products www.smoothdrawbars.com (http://www.smoothdrawbars.com) designed a kit to convert those old drawbars to smooth style. The kit is $299 or you can exchange your old drawbar set for an already converted set for $499. I'd rather save myself a $100 and do the work myself. It didn't look difficult at all. Soldering is required regardless of which option you choose.

Early post-war BV's and CV's had sharp edged keys. Later -V's had smooth edged keys. My CV just so happens to be an early 1945 model so it does have the sharp edged keys. Honestly they are not near as bad as they sound. The key action is the same.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: organman88 on July 29, 2008, 06:51:54 AM
I love the a 100 its light compared to the other models and still is a beast i think the keys feel better on the a100 than the b3 IMO!
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: apostoliczak on August 11, 2008, 08:55:38 PM
I play a B3 at the church and I currently am looking for an organ. But I'm a poor college kid. I really want a A-105. If anyone feels led of God to give me one, open up the floodgates of heaven and LET IT RAIN!!! ;)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on August 11, 2008, 08:59:54 PM
I play a B3 at the church and I currently am looking for an organ. But I'm a poor college kid. I really want a A-105. If anyone feels led of God to give me one, open up the floodgates of heaven and LET IT RAIN!!! ;)

An A-105 Would be my first choice. And I'm also open to donations :D
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on August 12, 2008, 01:25:39 AM
I think an A-105 is a great choice. It's basically a C3 cabinet with internal speakers.

I pray you get a Hammond. I finally have my first Hammond after a few years of waiting and praying for one. It's a model CV, which is essentially a very early version of what became the C3. I love it. Has a real nice tone and bass response in phenomenal. As mentioned already in this thread, the CV doesn't have split vibrato/chorus (all on or all off), ratcheted drawbars, and no percussion. Drawbars can be converted for about $300 and TrekII percussion can be added.

I think your best bet is to find a Hammond locally. Ebay is nice and that's how I found my CV, however, shipping rates are killer if you can't pick it up yourself. I spent around $500 just on shipping and it's probably going to be more than that now with the rising fuel costs this summer.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on August 12, 2008, 01:33:44 AM
now with the rising fuel costs this summer.

gas prices have been going down in NY. I think like 2 cents a day.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on August 12, 2008, 01:44:51 AM
gas prices have been going down in NY. I think like 2 cents a day.

Yeah, us too. Gasoline is currently $3.58 I believe, here. About a month ago is was like $3.80 something. I haven't paid attention to diesel though so I don't know if it's gone down recently or not. It's been over $4 for a while now...it was about $3.89 when I paid for the shipping surcharges and then went up immediately following that. It took the seller about 2 1/2 weeks to get it shipped. By the time they got it to the carrier, their rates had gone up so much, they had to find another carrier. From what I was told by them, in the end, they paid substantially more for shipping than what was originally quoted. I think they may have actually lost money over the sale of the organ because of it.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: GSM on August 12, 2008, 08:45:30 AM
I play a B3 at the church and I currently am looking for an organ. But I'm a poor college kid. I really want a A-105. If anyone feels led of God to give me one, open up the floodgates of heaven and LET IT RAIN!!! ;)


WOW...I love this guy...he just doesn't ask, he asks with specificity !!...not just a hammond, not just an a-100...but an A105 ??...lol.  I LOVE the A-105, tis one of the few consoles that I have not owned....and here in the midwest I've not seen tons of them, of course mechanically they are no different the than a B3,C-3,A-100.....but I've always liked the novelty of the A-100 in a C-3 cabinet.  In college I stayed with a pastor who had basically an RT3 with internal tone cabinet, but I'm very tall, and dont like the concave concert pedals (i think its the D-152 ???  check that)....maybe someday I'll get around to purchasing one for me (A105), a X-77 for my wifes living room decor, and an additonal X77 as the recording organ for Marcus at the Midiroom
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on August 12, 2008, 08:46:35 AM
An A-105 Would be my first choice. And I'm also open to donations :D
From what I understand, A-105's are rare.  I'm not sure how many were made but they didn't produce them for very long. 
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: apostoliczak on August 12, 2008, 09:59:42 AM
yeah im pretty open to the A100 but the A105 is my baby (besides the B3) but i've been looking at the traditional xk system. so it could fit in my room. hmmm.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on August 12, 2008, 10:15:52 AM

WOW...I love this guy...he just doesn't ask, he asks with specificity !!...not just a hammond, not just an a-100...but an A105 ??...lol.  I LOVE the A-105, tis one of the few consoles that I have not owned....and here in the midwest I've not seen tons of them, of course mechanically they are no different the than a B3,C-3,A-100.....but I've always liked the novelty of the A-100 in a C-3 cabinet.  In college I stayed with a pastor who had basically an RT3 with internal tone cabinet, but I'm very tall, and dont like the concave concert pedals (i think its the D-152 ???  check that)....maybe someday I'll get around to purchasing one for me (A105), a X-77 for my wifes living room decor, and an additonal X77 as the recording organ for Marcus at the Midiroom


Yeah, its a D-152.

From what I understand, A-105's are rare.  I'm not sure how many were made but they didn't produce them for very long. 


I just think its the perfect organ, You get the features of an A100, like the internal speakers and Reverb, And you get the looks of a C3 Cab. If I had one, I'd get it refinished like this. Then i'd have Sebastian Wheat "hot rod" it ;D
(http://[url=http://www.keyboardexchange.com/photo//image0000005.jpg]http://www.keyboardexchange.com/photo//image0000005.jpg[/url])
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on August 12, 2008, 10:19:22 AM
My furture baby

(http://www.keyboardexchange.com/photo//image0000005.jpg)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on August 12, 2008, 10:55:15 AM
Yeah, its a D-152.

I just think its the perfect organ, You get the features of an A100, like the internal speakers and Reverb, And you get the looks of a C3 Cab. If I had one, I'd get it refinished like this. Then i'd have Sebastian Wheat "hot rod" it ;D
(http://[url=http://www.keyboardexchange.com/photo//image0000005.jpg]http://www.keyboardexchange.com/photo//image0000005.jpg[/url])

I've never been a fan of the C3 to be honest with you.  As much as I love my A-100, I never use the internal speakers.  I remember when I bought it and I didn't have the Leslie hooked up yet.  I pretty much hate the internal speakers (yes I know hate is a strong word)
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: under13 on August 12, 2008, 11:09:36 AM
I've never been a fan of the C3 to be honest with you.  As much as I love my A-100, I never use the internal speakers.  I remember when I bought it and I didn't have the Leslie hooked up yet.  I pretty much hate the internal speakers (yes I know hate is a strong word)
Sometimes I like to have a straight sound. But a leslie with a Stop function would probaly be better than than the internals.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: RMS2003 on August 12, 2008, 11:12:05 AM
I've never been a fan of the C3 to be honest with you.  As much as I love my A-100, I never use the internal speakers.  I remember when I bought it and I didn't have the Leslie hooked up yet.  I pretty much hate the internal speakers (yes I know hate is a strong word)

I played an A100 once a few years ago and the internal speakers aren't that loud. In the Ensemble position, the Leslie completely drowns out the speakers.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: themidiroom on August 12, 2008, 12:19:02 PM
Sometimes I like to have a straight sound. But a leslie with a Stop function would probaly be better than than the internals.
I guess it's always good to have options.  Sometimes I do like the sound of the horn stopped while the lower rotor spins.   
RMS is right, the internal speakers aren't that loud.  I just disabled the internal amp and run the Leslie only.
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: X-66 on August 21, 2008, 02:13:02 AM
How about at a baseball game?    :D
  That`s right!  They ARE installed in stadiums(Shay for instance), also in rollerskating rinks.  When I was a teenager in the `60s, the competition said that about ALL Hammond organs; that because their sound was associated with the entertainment industry, they were UNFIT to be installed in a church.  Our church recieved a giant new Conn organ with antiphonal electronic pipes and Leslies, in a custom installation.  The Co. reps. came by to see what was wrong with it, and said "with reverence", that it was good that a Hammond hadn`t been installed instead.  The Catholics know something about reverence; there`s an RT-3 with 6 PR-40s installed in St. Pauls at the Vatican that they use everyday.  It`s all in the way the organ is played of course.  The Xs, and the H-series organs are more theater oriented; however, running multiple Leslies with speed  controled seperately, and with Hammond speakers while using the appropriate registrations, can produce a very convincing Gospel sound.  With all the clones and new ways of re-inventing the Hammond around, it`s just a matter of time until the "other" models (re-invented by Hammond) come into their own.  I would love to hear Dennis Montgomery III play "He Touched Me" on my X-66 with a model 12 and two Leslie 122s!  Variety is the spice of life however, and with Hammonds there`ll always be plenty of that.  As soon as you get one, you want to make changes....
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: musicmajordjs on December 27, 2008, 04:55:26 AM
Yea Yea Yea......................... ::)The Hammond XB-3M is wat I play at my church and i enjoy it. Well at times....... ?/? ;D
Title: Re: Organ Models
Post by: brutha28 on January 16, 2009, 09:31:15 AM
1958 Cherrywood Hammond B-3 with Leslie model 122.  See my picture.