Hammond M3 Black—worth it?

[Firepowerforfreedom]

Found this nearby on Craigslist: http://desmoines.craigslist.org/zip/2530210272.html.

I'm assuming, since they don't even know what model it is (they call it a dual keyboard Hammond organ [facepalm]) that they might be mistaken in thinking the switch is the problem. Perhaps it just needs oil, but I haven't checked with them yet.

I'm pretty sure it's an M3, based on the case and tabs. Would it be worth it to get this thing for free and try to fix it up?

[Orgrinder010]

It's worth far more than free in parts alone.

[toasterDude]

{...} they might be mistaken in thinking the switch is the problem. Perhaps it just needs oil, but I haven't checked with them yet.

My first thought too - since they don't even know how to identify it, it's probably been unloved for decades, which means no oil... which in turn means no starting up. It's definitely an M3, and it's in darn nice shape from the picture. Maybe most important, it's the Ebony finish! This one is comparatively rare for M3s -- probably about as rare as the blonde models. So I'd snag if I were you!

I've only come across about a dozen Ebony M3s in the last several years, compared to hundreds of walnut/brown ones. So this one's definitely worth checking out.

good luck-
td

[nbarr7]

The shape of the spindle legs is identical to my blonde finish M3, which the serial number dates to the mid '50's (1956). I assume similar details indicate this black M3 to be somewhat of the same vintage.

[jimmywilliams]

Would it be worth it to get this thing for free and try to fix it up?

Yes. End of story. Go get it!

[Firepowerforfreedom]

OK, so I've contacted the seller—no reply thus far. It was only posted a few days ago, however.

How hard is it to move one of these things? I know my Conn Caprice (174 lbs) is a challenge to load in a minivan, but it is easy compared to my now-gutted Kimball 792, which is almost ready to be totally scrapped (I'm keeping most of the internals, the Leslie, the keyboards, the pedals, and the reverb tank). The Hammond M3 is all-around bigger and heavier than my Caprice, so I'm assuming this could be a manpower-intensive job.

[Firepowerforfreedom]

The shape of the spindle legs is identical to my blonde finish M3, which the serial number dates to the mid '50's (1956). I assume similar details indicate this black M3 to be somewhat of the same vintage.

Nice blonde!!!

[bossbandbob]

OK, so I've contacted the seller—no reply thus far. It was only posted a few days ago, however.

How hard is it to move one of these things? I know my Conn Caprice (174 lbs) is a challenge to load in a minivan, but it is easy compared to my now-gutted Kimball 792, which is almost ready to be totally scrapped (I'm keeping most of the internals, the Leslie, the keyboards, the pedals, and the reverb tank). The Hammond M3 is all-around bigger and heavier than my Caprice, so I'm assuming this could be a manpower-intensive job.

Two healthy people can easily move this using a good Dollie and set of ramps to the van, providing not many stairs are involved. Just tip it to get on Dollie and roll it up the ramps. Two very strong men or 3 people can handle the stairs.
250 lbs so be sure to bend knees when lifting.

[nbarr7]

When I located the afore-pictured M3 at a Habitat Re-store (a bargain at $15 - starter motor was stuck at the time. It no longer is...) myself and the manager of the store lifted it from the ground up onto a trailer (maybe 16" to the deck) without too much problem (and someone had added 2 other 12" speakers and a necklace reverb unit into it - adding another few lbs). With two guys and some moving dolleys/carts, they're not too bad to move. Just lock that tone generator...

[Firepowerforfreedom]

The thing I hate about Craigslist... When someone gets there first :-(

The lady replied to my email saying somebody was going to pick it up already, but held off because of the rain. She said she'd contact me if they didn't pick it up (fat chance).

The next best option is a Hammond M100 for $100... Pooh

[Juan]

The difference between $100.00 dollars and zero when buying a spinet is meaningless compared to what you will spend getting the thing in top shape. Remember even the newest M series is 40+ years old. I think a nice M-100 is worth at least $100. The presets and reverb are cool. Also, if you get totally disgusted with the organ, the A0-35 reverb amp might be worth $100. to a guitar amp builder.

[torea]

The difference between $100.00 dollars and zero when buying a spinet is meaningless compared to what you will spend getting the thing in top shape. Remember even the newest M series is 40+ years old. I think a nice M-100 is worth at least $100. The presets and reverb are cool. Also, if you get totally disgusted with the organ, the A0-35 reverb amp might be worth $100. to a guitar amp builder.

Yeah what is it about those amps that those guys love? I've seen at least 3 amps built out of the M-100 reverb amp, and I've barely looked for amps.

[Firepowerforfreedom]

Yeah what is it about those amps that those guys love? I've seen at least 3 amps built out of the M-100 reverb amp, and I've barely looked for amps.

No clue. I'm still looking for an op-amp for my OC reverb tank... Any hints? ^_^

Turns out the M100 is $225 OBO. Ugh! I know it's a great organ, but.. Eh... Maybe I'm a cheapskate.

[indianajo]

[QUOTE=Firepowerforfreedom;246289]No clue. I'm still looking for an op-amp for my OC reverb tank... Any hints? ^_^
/QUOTE]
4558 op amps are slow enough not to oscillate, but have about -40 db hiss. See this thread especially the schematics at the end. http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/164102-improving-disco-mixer-mid-fi-performance.html I ended up using ST33078's that hiss less than 4558, but are fast enough to require disc caps on the power supply socket back(.1 uf) and across feedback resistor (22 pf) to not oscillate. $.35. TI or NJR RC4560 produces more output current for same slew rate as 33078, still $.35. Ultimate op amp now is Nat Semi LM4562, more output current, very fast, very quiet, $2.50. NJM4562 is not the same part, inferior specs. used 33078/4558/4560 in DIP 8 package as that is what the disco mixer came with. Tried replacing NJM4560 stock in Peavey CS800s power amp with 33078, acted and sounded exactly the same. 4558 also comes in SIP8, for which sockets are not commonly stocked. Venerable NE5532 is pretty quiet, not very fast, loved by many, but came in 14 pin DIP package when I was trying to buy, so I didn't. TL071 is loved by many, but latches up if your input gets near the rail.