The Hammond New B-3 Mk2
The Birth of the New B-3
Hammond
created history when, in 1975, it ceased manufacturing its
tone-wheel organs, bringing to an end the era it began 40 years
earlier. Even so, the B-3 has maintained its identity as the
standard for organ sound in popular, jazz, and Gospel music.
By the start of the 21st century it was evident that the old Hammond
B-3 and C-3 organs were not going to last forever so Hammond has
ushered in a new era with the New B-3. Every single playing
aspect of the original B-3 has been carefully and meticulously
recreated. The loo, the feel, the sound...and the soul are all
in this instrument.
Digital Tone Wheel™
The
New B-3 Mk2 utilizes the now famous Hammond Digital Tone-Generating
System to faithfully replicate all the sound characteristics of the
vintage tone-wheel generator. Even the actual temperament of
the scale is captured exactly. All of the intervals "beat"
exactly as they do on a vintage tone-wheel B-3. All 91 pitches
are continuously generated and ready to sound at any time.
Playing Controls
All
of the switches, tablets, and other controls function exactly as on
the original B-3. Four sets of Hammond Harmonic Drawbars™
plus two Pedal Drawbars, tilting control tablets for volume, vibrato
and "Touch-Response Percussion™, six-position Vibrato and
Chorus knob, and latching preset keys are present together with the
old-style "bat-handle" power and motor control toggle switches.
Every detail has been considered in order to make the New B-3 and
the old B-3 indistinguishable from each other in sound and
performance.
Direct Analog Keying™
A
crucial aspect of the performance of the B-3 is the key contact
system. When a key is depressed, it closes nine small
electrical contacts, each to their corresponding buss bar.
Each contact causes on of the Drawbar pitches to sound. For
the New B-3, Hammond has created a brand-new, patented key switch
assembly called Direct Analog Keying™. Each
playing key contains 9 contacts that "make" and "break"
individually, allowing each Drawbar harmonic to sound separately.
The "key click" therefore is produced exactly the same way as it is
on a vintage Hammond Organ. There is no need to sample a key
click sound and add it in.
Leslie Ready...Even With Headphones
The
Hammond New B-3 Mk2 has on-board Leslie simulation both in the
headphone jack as well as in the left and right channel "line out"
jacks. When the 11-pin Leslie cable is connected to the organ,
the Leslie simulation is disabled except for in the headphone
output. Any 11-pin Leslie can be used with the New B-3.
Two Leslie connectors are provided to allow Main/Echo switching
between two or more Leslies. For optimum performance, we
recommend either the 122XB or 981 Leslie Speaker. For churches
and other live venues the best companion to the New B-3 is the 981
due to its tremendous power. For use in the home or on stages
with limited room, the Leslie 3300W is a fine alternative.
While generally available for immediate delivery, the New B-3 is in high demand. Call us at (877) 432-5700 for Direct-to-Church pricing and availability. Church and Studio financing is no problem at Hammond Central™.