WheelHead

Thats what I meant playing LH bass. I believe Guido, like I said, has a feature, in the Mojo (I think) to toe tap with a single pedal which is better than nothing. Does not replace the pedal board though, obviously as the pedal tone may change 'toe tapping' not to mention normal pedal use. LH bass needs to be 'toe tapped'. If you are using pedal tones on the lower manual foldback is not a factor. "Since the lower tones that are folded back are actually present in the instrument for the pedals, it is possible to rewire a Hammond for true bass, with no lower foldback. The quirk is that the lowest octave of tonewheels are cut with a more complex shape and provide a waveform that is closer to a squarewave, with some 3rd and 5th harmonics present." The above "3rd and 5th harmonics present" and the square wave shaping make a poor LH bass (by most players opinion) that are present in pedal tones. Accepted correct way, traditionally, of playing LH bass with the 'Hammond' is 838000000 or 848000000 PLUS toe taps. Awesome bass!!! through the right audio. The remark I made about Bobby Jones I heard (do not know if true and not the gospel player who has same name) who plays formidably, jazz, ALL pedals, (not suggesting this is a superior way to play, actually limiting with close-harmony, imo) is that he takes the LM tone and puts them on the pedals via a modification by his tech. The opposite of what you are doing. W.

Play how you like but pedal to lower is not the way most 'Hammond' players play bass. Usually, 838000000 or 848000000 that is 'toe tapped' to put a nice bass envelope on it. Pedals are not the best harmonics for bass either why Bobby Jones who plays all pedals has his or had his Hammond altered to play 8 3or4 8000000 harmonics on the pedal board I am told. True=I don't know. Foldback also increases the 'thump' interestingly, how octaves cross over (another discussion) of the lower manual bass. Using a bass amp or sub the toe tapped bass sounds awesome (play some nice lines of course) and you will know why just about everyone plays it that way if you have it set up right. A hoot set up correctly with good audio!!! (for me the bass sub makes such a difference) I use a pedal board but if I am not mistaken I think Guido put in there someway to use a single pedal to add a bass envelope. (usually 'A' or "Bb') W.

Speaking of firmware updates not just an organ upgrade that is really quite simple in Windows: For flashing sysex, it is not like a BIOS in a computer (except the BIOS in the actual Windows Embedded computer board no one I have heard updated) that if it fails is toast and you have to get a flashed chip.(computer) If it is like the Hamichord it can fail (its temporarily bricked) and will still give you unlimited chances to reprogram the firmware. I bricked and toasted my Hamichord twice (quite disconcerting to say the least) using a poor midi device but when I used a better device it wrote to firmware and was fine to my relief. I should add: the original Hamichord advertising saying "no need to update the keyboard but the software!!" even though there have been some slight improvements on the MkII **has proven to be true**. I have no desire with the latest software to buy another. My HC is hot. B3 interface is classic. I should also point out Crumar has supported my Hamichord for ***4 years***<----- and provided the latest VB3-2 EVEN THOUGH technically it is cited for the MkII but works and they know it works on the MkI. That may not be true for future revisions due to CPU bandwidth. It was so long ago that when I bought my Hamichord it was only availablie with the Native Instruments B4II (that is still in it) - the VB3(1)HE etc etc came later. W. (original VB3-2 proclaimer writing first here about it on my 4 year old Hamichord first Crumar organ (new Crumar) in the US)

So because the latest generation of clones are so quality in the emulation it becomes a beauty contest of subjective views? Problematic in my view where as before there was a greater disparity in quality. There is also the 'live mix' question. How does each clone sound in a live situation for cut and band perception. Of course there is a lot more to the instrument than just the sound. The ergonomics. Controls=classic or manufacturer designed? General keyboard feel and vibe from playing the instrument. I don't think an article will change many minds though very helpful, imo. Minds are changed many times by noticing a consensus of buyers who have spent a lot of time before the purchase and reviews thereof. It also should only be performed with the top 4 or 5 dedicated clones, imo. Perhaps another review at a later time of 'organ clones in other synths and samplers not dedicated organ clones' with a much greater number. W.

Always interesting these posts with people "trying" or "had the opportunity" then slamming an instrument (any brand) with anomalous problems that crop up. This reviewer has had more trouble and technical breakdowns with his chance to try the HC than I have ever had in 3 years owning one playing daily. Trying to understand how Windows Embedded is crashing, also, according to the remarks. Not enough information in the review and the situation of the instrument-try for me. Windows Embedded usually never crashes. Used industrially for critical (and expensive) products. W.

About support: Remember too while people are wondering if they will get the new emulations for older Nords of the upgraded organ engine used on the C2D, my Hamichord is **over 3 years old** and NEVER had the VB3HE, YET it was upgraded with the VB3-2 that was a MAJOR, MAJOR, MAJOR upgrade. Other companies in the boutique organ business you have to upgrade whole boards that could cost $1500 or more. Thats the beauty of the Windows Embedded system. Major proprietary-board-or DSP ROM flash programming is not necessary that could take a LOT more time and programming. Guido can improve and update this on a whim and not a major project that appears once in a year or two years (updates to sound). You just double click it and it installs in a minutes and can be reversed back easy. As witnessed here, he may like what someone wrote. Make a change in the organ software and boom! it is up for download. You won't be watching alpha-numeric data ticker-taping on an LCD screen updating an OS with a new sound engine/fix hoping you don't brick it once or twice in 1 to 3 years if ever. Now the 'nose factor' concern? . . I don't know . . I would suspect less updating while more sleep is accomplished. W.

Just measured mine kind of crudely with a chopstick and using my thumbnail over the next key depressing one key before it flexes. On numerous reads on both upper and lower it is slightly less than 7/16" by about 1/32'. This does not have velocity to the best of my knowledge. (this is MK1 not MK2) W.

Wow!! Now THAT is news!!! Mojo? Not the full Hamichord? Interesting. i suppose he will stay with the XK3 System for the full pop. BTW, I dug the recording of the C2. Obviously, it is hard though to get the full Patterson, reported, nuance without a real good recording. The piano player did an extra nice job on that too. I have a feeling Nord will strike back at the Mojo with an improved model since it raised the bar, with the C2(D) perhaps not right away. Lots of motivation to do this, imo, called the C2D. Nord can't just ride it out and stay the same. They are another one to closely watch, I think, in the future for the organ enthusiasts. All the organ players win as the quality gets more fierce. Thanks again!!! W.

Sorry for the length of this: Mine is the oldest. (not that it means anything) being the original Hamichord Mk1 (meaning "original" model not first one made, obviously) and the first HC in the United States about 3 years ago. The whole notion of the HC is that you buy it once upgrade software and that has proven true, The new HC really has shown to me or features thereof, no material reason (though nicer) to upgrade, imo. Originally mine had the B4II and I still have it. Mine (Mk1) has built in board like the Mojo and no rack slide-in spot (Mk2) to add the sound engine later. The Mk2 that is current as most know has the benefit of being able to buy at a lower price point and then get the VB3-2 sound engine later on the slide in rack Then with Guido's help I configured my VB31 (not HE Edition) to run, though I had a few minor issues with it (this was not 1.4 like today). I went back to the B4II that I had a real nice tweak of. I also had an Event Processor + running from Midi-Out of the Hamichord that I was able to make a *perfect* map, after having some difficulty mapping the odd CC arrangement of the HC half-moon that I had to use an EP+ 'midi loop' feature in software to work the Apple EVB3 organ (not to be confused with VB3) that is still in the EP as I lost the map though I will overwrite it with another map as I don't use it, sometime soon. Too much work to re-write. Then . . various builds of the VB3-2 . . one not capable to run in old Mk1 board, having me revert to the previous VB3-2 build. Even now the Crumar VB3-2 I was told by Guido does not have 100% polyphony on the MK1 due to bandwidth of the CPU BUT I have never had an issue. I could update the board but 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. Plays fantastic. This may or may not hold true for future builds where I will up the board. I use the Hammond Suzuki XK3 system bench and use the Hammond Suzuki Porta-B 25 wooden pedal board. This is NOT midi capable so I had to make a midi box, do a lot of soldering, with a midi PCB where the Porta B pedal board 16 pin goes in box and general midi comes out to the HC pedal in. I did this because I got a new HS orphaned Porta B pedal board for around 400 worth 2500+. Lately, addicted using the Leslie 3300 THAT SOUNDS UNBELIEVABLE!! with the VB3-2 and have not used the internal though it is GREAT!! Bass out goes to a QSC Ksub that makes the bass sound awesome and toe taps like cool plucks. I have to agree the VB3-2 is majorly inspiring to play. Like it as much as just about any Hammond I have owned or played though that may sound like hyperbole. The thing that fascinates me (still) about the VB3-2 is how small a file it is with so many features. I believe the organ without the install .exe compressed is around 800KB+, uncompressed 1.17MB that will fit on a floppy, though interestingly enough, Beatrix, the organ the KeyB sound engine is said to be based on originally or inspired from of Dr. Kilander's, is about 700KB+ so I would suspect the Keyb sound engine and VB3-2 *could* be around the same size. ??? Apparently all that is needed. W.

Wow! that is interesting about the Nord C2. Makes the new drawbar version a bit more interesting from my point of view. W

Yeah!! That is a nice one. There are a few I particularly like. I tuned the VB3-2 to a Don Patterson recorded Hammond or nuance of that Hammond. I was able to tune the software using a tonewheel set (however it was recorded) using high end headphones and tweaking scanner and other parameters extremely close to the recorded Hammond. Quite impressive ability to mimic, imo (VB3-2) W.

Nice playing!!! Enjoyed the videos. Very nice of you to have these available. W.

Right on. Though he awaits Mitch I believe your answer is correct. You update the firmware usually with Midiox and have to set it up correctly. The manual or PDF instruction that downloads with the firmware is pretty good with this. I first used a loader with my MAC that did not work. Pulled out a Windows netbook with Midiox. Firmware update may be different than the HC that I am familiar with though I doubt it. I had issues with the Hamichord flash (similar) that puzzled me and once I thought for a sec I bricked it quickly realizing it can take multiple attempts/failures not like computer BIOS. I flashed the firmware 10s of times with great frustration. Turned out to be a cheap USB Midi Interface I used. Went out and bought the more expensive Midisport Uno that worked perfectly first time. Cheap USB can give bad flash unless it was just the one I had. With bad flash the Hamichord was toast and dead for a few hours. Knowing I could fix it, still, was quite disconcerting. (the notion of dead organ) (Explanation: why did I need to up the Hamichord MK1 firmware? - to add EPS that automatically programs your chosen preset in the reverse-colored keys that is amazingly cool by holding key down a few seconds) The files are SYSEX files obviously. W.

Chucks is a retail store - they don't do repairs although I believe there is a repair shop right down the block from them. Replacing this motherboard requires no soldering and it would be unusual if it did). You just unplug all the connectors from the old one, unscrew it from the chasis and lift it out. The new one goes in it's place - pretty easy actually. Think of all the kids building computers these days - everything is modular. What I'm wondering is can I buy the individual chips of the mother board? I suspect the flash RAM is the culprit - a 15 dollar part but it probably needs Korgs OS on it or at least the boot portion of it. I bet Korg does not distribute this separately. That would take some careful soldering but I think I can do it on these particular parts. Not necessarily. EPROMs many times push into a chip holder THOUGH that may not be the case. I forget when I disassembled the CX3. I know for a while people were toasting their CX3s and sending them in WHEN they tried to update the OS to V2 (bad idea imho blew the scanner but better sim BUT all the more reason now to want a V1 with a Ventilator) IF by some chance a chip could be ordered UNLIKELY but I would want one flashed with V1 if possible. If the chip is soldered to the board one many want to send in the whole board. First order of business is to look with a magnifying glass at the lands of the board to see anything burned, broken, chips cracked etc very carefully. I forget where CX3 owners were sending their CX3s when they were toasted with a bad flash. Long time ago. Another thing to look at is to check voltage with a multimeter and if the power supply is sending juice to the board. I seem to remember a couple of boards in their. One might be the power supply. I think if I did not know what to do with it technically I would ask Bruce Wahler of the clonewheel group, Midi Solutions, to look at it and ship it, (do not know or affiliated obviously) since he has been using CX3s/BX3s for years and find out what he wants to diagnose it. W.

I know what you mean. When you hear a clone that is great and close that is one thing but when you hear it right-on and ballsey you *know* it is 'it'. Kind of like the Ventilator, it transcends opinion into one of absolute conviction and a frightening realization of the quality. I was actually in some piano projects until I got the latest version of VB3-2 and this has had me majorly distracted. You should hear it through a 3300. WOW!!! W.

I like it. Crumar should look at the 4 drawbar notion of yours. Especially now with the new Clavia organ. PERHAPS!!! ???? for anyone buying one of these (Mojos) if they want 4 racks, they should ask Andrea and would not be surprised if they can do it now as a custom Mojo. They do custom stuff. Going to be more expensive though. . or perhaps they can't do it. I would ask if interested. W.

Looks like good idea actually as step up feature for the Mojo. A 4 drawbar upgrade kit would be nice for those who bought the 2 rack in this hypothetical. Me? As many differ to what they like, I like the HC presets right there in front, programmable EPS and fast access to hit a reverse-colored key. Not really that much more to move. Remember many of us moved real B3s and Rhodes (plus a lot more) all over the place so the argument of 30lbs vs 40lbs (+or-) is really an argument of 2012. We would laughed about this years ago. Having said the above: a friend of mine who does a guitar single would play out of a vintage transistor radio if he could get away with it. No one wants to carry anything heavy AND THAT is a good idea but there is some degree of reasonableness that is prudent, only, that is subjective, imo Also moving tools and cases could be a little more creative, imo, for example loading and unloading from case on top of organ stand instead of lifting out of case to stand. The HC is not heavy at all but bulky for one person until its in a case. W.

There is actually a YouTube video of BGs and it is quite a lot larger than a garage but I know what you mean. Actually a multi room facility shown on the video with keyboards and components stacked neatly with assembly areas. Remember building the Paree there is/was a lot of components (I think) that they had access to. [video:youtube] These guys do have long and deep experience, to be fair, including the Pari real tonewheel organ. If you look at this pic I found you can see that the Hamichord interface is almost exactly like the Pari. I also read a report of the K61 citing the "sales manager" having the same last name as the Crumar principle so these guys have been doing this for generations. http://hammondeer.tripod.com/k61-top.jpg The appointments in this K61 pic are exactly like the tabs and vibrato knob on the Hamichord so these guys really had the components for the Hamichord digital from the tonewheel Pari it would seem. First tab on top left on HC turns Midi on and off but same group of 3 tabs. Even the drawbars look identical to the HC. One could almost safely say the Hamichord is a digital version of the only-real-tonewheel-organ-of-recent-manufacture, Pari organ. (I said "almost"), imo. W.

That is amazing. Now what I am about to say could very well be incorrect and just a notion but when a vender does not take your money moving or not-moving *I* would take it that there is *no* inventory laying around and they have to run production at new facilities to get new product. In other words, sold out. I can't believe a company would refuse orders if there was inventory, though it is an unusual world these days. Even while moving if you have product you can ship it. I cautioned a friend of mine that wanted the Mojo a month ago that the interest is strong and possibly, you never know, could go into backorder and to move quickly if serious. (***not*** saying company is citing products for backorder) Looks like maybe some hiring may be happening in Italy for certain MI product company(s). Who knows??? W,

The EXP Edition is a rack module that slides in the Hamichord MKII or can be used standalone. It has the same sound engine as the Mojo. The new Hamichord is sold at the bottom level as a controller so later a person can add the sound internally like an organ or first edition HC. You have: 1. Original Hamichord a black product with built in board (like the Mojo) and 11 pin. 2. New Hamichord MkII sold at base level as controller with optional EXP (expander) that has no 11 pin 3. Mojo All the above run the VB3-2 W.

You have to email Andrea. May not be right away but Andre always is on top of things. My last problem was getting my EPS to work. This firmware load for some reason I was putting off doing and finally did it. I thought I bricked it a couple of times loading various firmware. I did discover that the EPS works with 1.3 on Hamichord but I could not get it to work on 1.31. (for first version Hamichord I am sure 1.31 works EPS on MkII) The EPS on the Hamichord is programming your black/white preset by setting the drawbars with the first rack and holding the preset black key (or white key) of choice down for a few seconds. Two LEDs blink telling you that the preset you created is saved. The bottom manual uses the 3rd rack to set. Impressive!! I have all my presets set now so no unnecessary fumbling. I read somewhere they are extremely-formidably busy or moving or something so patience helps. This was the technical beef I had with the instrument when I first got it, being, the reverse-colored preset octaves were not programmable like a real Hammond. Firmware 1.3 solved that. W.

Yeap. Now mine runs on the first version 1GHz HC with 64 instead of 128 ASIO, 48. Latency cut further though I didn't feel it at 128. I was told originally this first version legacy HC, though, (1Ghz board instead of 1.8Ghz) will not do 100% polyphony on VB3-2. Who cares? I never approach that by even a fraction on organ. Never heard a glitch. (yet) That is the great beauty of the embedded board system of the Mojo/Hamichord IMHO, (not to be carried away with liking this piece) = the organ can be tweaked and tweaked and tweaked and upgraded by running a simple .exe in 2 minutes double clicking with a mouse with a monitor plugged in. W.