Any B-3 fans??

[Llama Bob]

The best instrument I own, to me, is my 1958 Hammond B-3.. it rocks... any other b-3 fans?

[R_A_D]

I don't know about the B-3, but I really like the B-1 and B-2....man those things are the bomb! ;)

[Strider]

Love em. Dont own one, cant even play one but love em.

[Llama Bob]

They have a very sweet sound, to me:)

[Basszilla]

Originally posted by BCalhoun
Love em. Dont own one, cant even play one but love em.

Those are my feelings exactly.

[jmlouie]

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEE! You actually own a B-3?! So... something I've always wanted to know is how do you learn to play rock style organ? It always sounds so cool, but I never really figured out how to play rockin' organ

[Nate]

Originally posted by R_A_D
I don't know about the B-3, but I really like the B-1 and B-2....man those things are the bomb! ;)

BOO!! HISS!!! *throws miscellaneous fruit* Maybe Mickey should pass a "no bad puns" law! ;)

Seriously though... I love the B-3. I've never had the chance to play a real one.... but I have quite a few usable B-3 patches on my keyboard. I use 'em whenever I get the chance.... I just wish I could learn HOW to use 'em better. :D

[R_A_D]

Well I'm glad someone at least got it :D

[Basszilla]

Originally posted by R_A_D
Well I'm glad someone at least got it :D

If it makes you feel any better, I got it too. And I thought it was a good pun.

[xb3bill]

Sign me up on the B-3 fan list.......I've always loved the B-3 and Leslie combo, nothing else like it. I take one of my Hammonds to church frequently to use with our praise band. It works out great. You can use it for any kind of music.

Llama Bob....that's a nice looking B-3 and Leslie, and I'm sure it sounds really sweet.

For those unfamiliar with the old Hammonds, look back at an older thread here where they were discussed, and there's several web-sites dedicated to the old tonewheel Hammonds and Leslies. Remember...you don't have to have a B-3 for "that sound", you can also have a C-3, A-100, RT-3 or D-152 and still get "that sound". The internals are the same as a B-3, but different cabinets and the A-100 and D-152 have internal speakers, A-100 also has reverb. The B-3 is typically much higher priced because so many people want that style of cabinet, and it's my favorite too. A big portion of "that sound" is the Leslie, typically a tube type, such as a 122 or 147 type.

xb3bill

[LWatford]

Can't you also mod other models to B-3 specs?

Lee

[xb3bill]

Lee:

Absolutely. The biggest difference between a B-3 (or any equivalent series model) is that they have the percussion feature, where the previous models do not. TrekII makes a very well respected percussion unit T-2P (I think that's the model number) to fit onto a B-2 (and the other equivalent series models). With the TrekII, you also have the the 5th harmonic, where a B-3 has only the 2nd and 3rd. You can also adjust the relative volume on the T-2P between the harmonics using sliders (similar to drawbars) and use all harmonics simultaneously. On a stock B-3, you can adjust the percussion volume screw on the preamp, but you can only use the 2nd or 3rd by itself.

Another minor difference between a B-3 and a B-2 is the preamp. The B-2 many times have a little more "darker" sound than a B-3, but are preferred by some because of that. However, please remember these old beasts have all aged differently and must be compared/evaluated on an individual basis. If an old Hammond has been re-capped, it may sound brighter than another identical model.

One mechanical difference between a B-3 and SOME, I repeat..SOME.. B-2's and eariler models are the drawbars. The later B-2's and all B-3's have smooth drawbars. The others had ratchet style. Smooth's are the most preferred since they move smoothly and sound continuously. Ratchets detent at each number and do not sound between the numbers. I do not know of any after-market company that makes smooth drawbars for ratchet replacements. You have to try to find them from a parted-out organ, and they're typically about $300 or more IF you can find them. If ratchets are properly cleaned and lubricated, they can be used quite well, but almost everyone prefers the smooth types.

Hammond models previous to the B-2 did not have split vibrato. I'm not sure what all you would have to do with a BV, A, etc. to make it like a B-3. But then again, who would want to? Those older Hammonds have a wonderful voice of their own, partially due to the differences in foldback, number of tonewheels, etc.

Just remember, if you have a B-2 or older model, don't look down on it. They're wonderful instruments, and have personalities all their own.

xb3bill