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Hammond B3 & C3

Thanks to Larry Pennisi


For those who have never been lucky enough to sit behind a Hammond B3, here's a shot of 'The King' from the Hammond Organ manual that accompanied my very own B3. I thought BtP readers might be interested in a 'behind the scenes' look at the mysterious beast.

See another B3 picture

Hammond C3. Sister to the B3, it is identical in every operational way. The B3 weighs 425 pounds and the C is even heavier as it has a more extensive wooden frame which surrounds the bass of the organ. This is a popular church organ. However, it has been noted that Bs are more available in America and Cs are easier to acquire in Europe. Not a few roadies have almost met their untimely demise lugging this beast around from venue to venue. The Hammond played by Chris Copping in the Beat Workshop video is just as large: it may be an A series. You can tell it's not a C3 from the console fittings of the cabinet. C3 slopes down and the others slope ever so gently upwards.

It is also possible to excavate the 'guts' of both organs, including the manuals
and place them in lighter, more portable carrying cases.
Click here for details


A page of Hammond organ links


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