The Hammond B3 is an electric organ first manufactured in 1955. It's considered one of the most iconic and influential keyboard instruments in popular music, used across various genres including jazz, blues, rock, and gospel.
HAMMOND B3 ORGAN
Overview
The Hammond B3 is an electric organ first manufactured in 1955. It’s considered one of the most iconic and influential keyboard instruments in popular music, used across various genres including jazz, blues, rock, and gospel.
Key Features
- Sound Generation: Original models used 91 tonewheels (out of 96 physical wheels)
- Keyboards: Two 61-note manuals with reverse-color preset keys
- Drawbars: 9 per manual for harmonic control
- Effects: Built-in vibrato/chorus, percussion
- Weight: Original around 425 lbs (193 kg)
Sound Characteristics
- Distinctive “Hammond sound” with rich harmonics
- “Loudness robbing” effect for a compressed, fat sound
- Foldback (tone repetition) in higher registers
- Percussion effect for added attack
Associated Equipment
- Leslie Speaker: Rotating speaker cabinet, often used with B3 for its distinctive sound
- Leslie features rotating treble horn and bass rotor for Doppler effect
Historical Significance
- Originally marketed as a lower-cost alternative to pipe organs for churches
- Became popular with jazz musicians in the 1950s and 1960s
- Widely adopted in rock, R&B, and reggae in the 1960s and 1970s
- Essential instrument in progressive rock
Notable Users
- Jimmy Smith (considered the “Father of Modern Soul Music”)
- Booker T. Jones
- Al Kooper
- Jon Lord (Deep Purple)
- Keith Emerson
- Greg Allman
Modern Versions
New digital models (like the New B3) faithfully recreate the original’s features while being considerably lighter (around 290 lbs or 132 kg) and offering additional functionality such as MIDI capabilities.