Help!

[stef]

I've always wanted a decent Hammond and I've decided I'm going to get one! I've done a bit of reading up on the subject after having been disappointed with my previous buys (a b200 portable and a 70's transistorised ?).

I can't afford a b3 or any of the other tonewheel consoles and would prefer a spinet sized module anyway for portability (of a fashion!).

The main choices for me seem to consist of an M, L OR T series spinet. I've read the M's are superior but lack of funds means I'm going to have to save for a while longer to get one (and I want one now!). I've read that the T's are quite good but I think I might prefer something with valves and therefore I'm leaning towards an L. I've seen a lot of reviews of the L series spinets some of which are very bad and some that are very complimentary.

I don't know what to do. Should I wait a few months to get an M, sacrifice nostalgia and go for a T or get an L?

I'm looking for a good sixties sound ala The Animals, Small Faces, Them etc.

Any views would be greatly appreciated - Thanks!

-Stef

[Orgrinder010]

I would go wih an L. I have two and love them both, as they are two totally different personalities.
I thought the animals used a VOX continental? Oh well.

[back52887]

Since you call tubes "valves", I am guessing you are one of Her Magesty's faithful subjects, in which case you will probably have to pay more for a Hammond locally, and prohibitvely more if you ship from the States: but here even an M-100 can frequently be had for under $100 .

I think the Animals played a Farfisa most of the time. I got flammed by experts on another sight when I suggested "House of the Rising Sun"s organ parts were through a Hammond w/leslie. (because I had been doing it that way so long I forgot the original sound)

Lee

[stef]

Thanks for both replys so far. I am indeed one of Her Majesties loyal subjects. Hammond M100's normally sell over here for between £300-400 as opposed to L's and T's which can still be bought for under £100 - Hence my dilemma. After reading the first reply I'm really considering an 'L' but I'll hold fire a little longer to see if anyone disagrees strongly!

I'm not sure what organ Alan Price used on 'House of the rising sun' or any of the other Animals records as he'd probably sound brilliant playing lead on a Bontempi! However, on tracks such as 'Bring it on home to me' where he's just playing backing chords, I'm positive that the swirling soft tones must come from a Hammond + Leslie? It's this sort of sound that I've failed to duplicate on any other keyboard or organ I've had. It may be simple to play but without the right kit such chords just drone and sound awful. If I can get this type of sound out of an L100 then I'll be more than happy. Besides, I can't afford a Vox continental!

[Orgrinder010]

Let me add that one of my L's (133, which is my symbol you see to the left) is hooked up to a leslie 125. That is the way to go. Period. Unless, of course, you want to sound like booker T and the MG's...
But through that 125, and valves are the way to go, i have been able to create some VERY convincing B3 sounds. But i feel that an L should not have to sound like a B, and L is an L. To my ears, they are brighter, and the different-but-unique tube, or valve, vibrato/chorus of full organ setting will fill in for any VOX.
But any stock spinet, you will find, has some flaw to it. For instance, the lack of fold-back mellows out the high range of the manuals. And if you want the famous keyclick, a simple modification can be made to bring it out. L's have serious potential, and thats what pink floyd and Keith Emerson saw in them.
Just make sure to give it the ol' dust-n-wash and oil her up when you get it home, whatever you buy.
Remember: Valves last longer when they are clean and have no dust build-up
Clean ALL phono jacks, valve pins, molex connectors, etc. with a good contact spray
Oil is the blood of a hammond, she needs it.
Everyone likes to look into the back of a clean organ with the warm glow of valves when gigging
Do this and you will have a reliable friend, who has a soft mellow voice until stomp the gas pedal and then.... a glorious screaming shout that is Hammond!!! (throws microphone down)

[JamesonC]

Hi, IMO, the L-100's vibrato sounds very cheesy.
Probably due to the fact that there is no mechanical vibrato scanner.
They used an electronic one instead.
I'd definetly take the M-100, (then I'd have 2!)