Hammond B3 Organ Substitute

[David Root]

Is there a good modern version of the great Hammond B3 that won't break the bank nor require two gorillas to move it around?

I don't play keyboards but that would sure be a great incentive to learn how.

[vibratoking]

There are a lot of B3 replacement options. I guess the operative issues you mentioned are size/weight and cost.

I have used quite a few. None really compare to a real B3 through a real Leslie. Nord makes what are considered by many to be the best electronic versions. I have used Roland VKs as well. The best that I have found given my view of the constraints is an older Alesis QS. It has some very good organ sounds, with patches that have some drawbar controllability. You can find them for cheap these days.

[David Root]

Thanx for the tips, vibratoking. I seem to recall some good reports on one made by KurzWeil, but it was $3000 +. The Alesis QS sounds lika good bet.

[M Fowler]

The Hammond XK3 or XK1.

I think the Nord is the better.

Mark

[dynaman]

A local feller chopped the bottom half from his Hammond and made a case of sorts. It's certainly more reasonable than the full size deal. Of course, the Leslie is another story...

Check these guys out. This dude hauls the full enchilada to EVERY gig. Crazy. And until recently, their bass player was actually just a dude thumpin' low notes on a Fender Rhodes (he's partially paralyzed and he just rocks with his left hand.) Talk about a crowded stage! I've gigged with both players before and handling their gear was definitely a team effort. Note the, ahem, "toolbox" amp sitting on the cream 4X12.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR-W1iHj ... re=related

[rsalinger]

On a small budget, the old Korg CX3 satisfies ('79 or '80, I think)...

They come up for sale from time to time.

[David Root]

I just pulled up the manual for the Hammond XK3c. Woooooo!! Talk about a learning curve!

[M Fowler]

I just pulled up the manual for the Hammond XK3c. Woooooo!! Talk about a learning curve!

David, yeah but just think of the tone man!

Mark

[Nairbr]

The Hammond XK3 or XK1.

I think the Nord is the better.

Mark

+1 on the Nord

[Structo]

The Nord is nice!

I guess the first question should be, how much can you spend?

The Yamaha MOTIF gets high marks for piano and synth.

A gal in my worship team had one and it was awesome.
But she would always just play the piano patch, even when we had rehearsed with strings and other patches.
Not sure what they cost now.

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical- ... ode=series

If you want it for mainly organ and other synth tones, then you probably won't want weighted keys like a piano.
Organ keys are not weighted.

Here is one for around $229 that may work for you.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PSRE423

My wife has a Yamaha upright digital piano that is very nice.
I has a passable organ patch but no Leslie like a B3.

There is also the Hammond XB-2
A portable organ.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hammond-XB2-Combo-O ... 500wt_1076

[vibratoking]

I have the Yamaha Motif and the Alesis QS. The Alesis kicks the Motifs ass for organ and piano sounds. The Alesis sounds and feels much better. It also has many more real-time options for drawbars. No contest IMO.

[roadkingbluzs]

There are no substitutes, just reasonable facsimilies.

[David Root]

Tone I'm looking for is classic Jimmy Smith, compression/wild blues B-3 tone, dynamics like on the Howlin' Wolf in London album, couple of tracks on that album just blow me away. Not to mention Leslies, of course.

[UR12]

Nothing compares to real B3 and Leslies IMHO. Just like none of the modlers will ever sound like a real tube amp.

[vibratoking]

From the OP

Is there a good modern version of the great Hammond B3 that won't break the bank nor require two gorillas to move it around?

We haul an actual B3 and Leslie for our keyboard player. Many B3s don't sound as good as others. So it is not accurate to make the statement that nothing sounds as good as a B3. They are not all the same.

The OP is looking for an easily transportable, low cost, and 'good' sounding facsimile. I think that is what we are trying to suggest for him. Good is the operative word and where the compromise is knowingly being made.