Hammond B3 and Leslie Speaker Setup Tutorial
The Hammond B3 organ is renowned worldwide for its distinctive, classic sound, harnessed by rock musicians, at religious services, and for everything in between. However, getting one of these vintage beauties up and running can be a little tricky. In this handy tutorial video, PCE Backline Technician Anthony Grisham explains some of the quirks of the B3 and how it interfaces with Leslie speakers (this video features the Leslie Model 122).
The PCE Backline Hammond B3 and Leslie Speaker kit includes everything needed to get the system going. First, plug the Hammond B3 into any standard wall outlet using the provided extension cord. Next, connect the Hammond B3 organ to the Leslie speaker. To do this, use the provided 6-pin cable. We've marked the end of the cable with silver dots to show how it aligns with the organ and speaker (the male end goes into the organ, the female end goes to the speaker).
With everything connected properly, you next need to press down one of the black keys on the organ. Press it so that it stays down after pressed. (We recommend pressing one black key on both the top and bottom rows of the organ, just to be safe.) Next, turn the organ volume up by pressing down the foot pedal. This will give you the ability to hear the organ and know that you've done things correctly at the end of the setup process.
With these items taken care of, press and hold the Start switch at the top right of the organ. This will prime the instrument with the oil it needs to run. Hold the switch for at least 15 seconds, erring on the side of holding it too long (in this video demonstration, we held the Start switch for 41 seconds before taking the next step). After the proper amount of time has elapsed, continuing to hold the Start switch and toggle the Run switch. This should cause the Leslie horns to begin spinning. Continue to hold the Start switch for at least another 15 seconds, then release it. At this point, your Hammond B3 organ should be ready to go!
For more info on Hammond B3 organs and Leslie speakers, head to the keyboards page of the PCE Backline website. To rent these items, give us a call at 714-464-2406.