Superbobus Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Okay, here's the story. We are asked with our organ trio to do a concert at the Rekyjavik jazz fest. That's allright with me! But... I don't feel like taking my VK8 there, especially now I've heard that they can arrange a real Hammond. Problem is, I don't have the real deal here and I don't know cats in the neighbourhood having one where I can practice. I do have the B4 on my computer though. Are B4's drawbars and knobs the same? Are the different Hammond models built the same concerning drawbars and knobs? http://www.bobwijnen.nl Hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Loving Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 I stay away from software organs. Too big a leap from virtual to reality for me. Just try to keep it simple. The real cool thing for me is the way the keys feel and work. Orient yourself with the way the presets work and the 2 sets of draw bars per manual and you'll be fine. just my 2 cents "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluemed Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 I have only had the privilege of playing a real Hammond B-3 once, as it is a rare pleasure when one makes its way into my neighborhood. The one I played was the chewiest, sweetest, inspiring mother of all beasts that I have ever heard. I think I was on a high for a week after playing it. Anyways, I hope you have a similar invigorating experience at the Rekyjavik jazz fest. I would not worry too much about drawbars and such as these things tend to play themselves in my mind. Don't forget to make full use of the foot pedals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 The layout is going to be different, but not entirely dissimilar to the B4 software. Don't forget to experiment with the preset keys (reversed colors)to the left of the keyboard. The Bb and B natural keys activate the two sets of drawbars. If you find that pulling out the drawbars isn't changing the tone, make sure one or the other of those B preset keys is fully depressed. The keyboard action will also be far different than you're used to. It's stiffer and springier. Takes a little getting used to. Have a ball. There ain't nothin like it. k. 9 Moog things, 3 Roland things, 2 Hammond things and a computer with stuff on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
analogman1 Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 One other thing to get used to is the expression pedal. On a real Hammond, it tends to have a different "response" curve than on the virtual synths. Also...the percussion may or may not be what you're used to, as the overall amount was adjusted with a screw, on the percussion board inside the organ...so the controls for "soft" and "long/short decay" will only be relative to how the organ is set up. Try to spend about 15 or 20 minutes checking out these two items and your experience will be far more satisfying. Big T Tom Nord Electro 5D, Modal Cobalt 8, Yamaha upright piano, numerous plug-ins... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byrdman Posted August 11, 2003 Share Posted August 11, 2003 Originally posted by Superbobus: Problem is, I don't have the real deal here and I don't know cats in the neighbourhood having one where I can practice.[\QUOTE] The biggest issue is going to be the pedals. You aren't going to be able to get them up to speed as you do not have one available but just having them there changes your sitting position. I would suggest having them set it up without the pedals. A lot of people do that. The other big difference to a clonewheel is you have two sets of drawbars. You can toggle between them quickly. You can get some interesting effects "trilling" between the sets of drawbars. Can be very nice when comping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbobus Posted August 12, 2003 Author Share Posted August 12, 2003 Originally posted by Byrdman: Originally posted by Superbobus: Problem is, I don't have the real deal here and I don't know cats in the neighbourhood having one where I can practice.[\QUOTE] The biggest issue is going to be the pedals. You aren't going to be able to get them up to speed as you do not have one available but just having them there changes your sitting position. I would suggest having them set it up without the pedals. A lot of people do that. The other big difference to a clonewheel is you have two sets of drawbars. You can toggle between them quickly. You can get some interesting effects "trilling" between the sets of drawbars. Can be very nice when comping.Sorry man, I'm a pussy. I play bass with da left HAND... Thing is, a VK8 pedal board (PK7?) costs me some 900 euros... WTF??? And it always felt awkward playing pedals, the times that there was a Hammond around. Pedals are serious shit. Anywayz, I saw Larry Goldings doing the same. Not a very valid reason to do the same, but at least a relief that I'm not the only one. I'm gonna have a ball in Iceland, that's for sure. http://www.bobwijnen.nl Hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dasher Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 VK8 pedal board (PK7?) costs me some 900 euros... WTF??? And it always felt awkward playing pedals, the times that there was a Hammond around. Pedals are serious shit. Not many jazz players actually PLAY the pedals, oter than Rhoda Scott and Barbara Dennerlien, both of wehom kick some serious ass (as well as pedals!) The usual jazz pedal performance is to kick a related 'natural' pedal to add percussive accent, and just walk the pedalboard when it makes sense for a diatonic or chromatic run up or down a few notes. But if you haven't the chance to play a real Hammond (doesn't have to be a B3, any of the full size tonewheel organs - NOT the spinets, and not those with tabs like pipe organs - will do the job. This includes A-100, Cs and older Bs) you are not going to be comfortable. See if you can lopcate either a club, store or church that has one, and rent a few hours time to practice. Any black or evangelical gospel churches in your area? They sometimes have them. Be aware of the start-up sequence, also. Press the 'Start' toggle and hold it in the On position (it's spring loaded and will shut off as soon as you release it) for at least 20 seconds, you will hear a motor whirr as it starts. Next, while still holding the 'Start', click 'Run.' That will stay in the on position. Keep them both on for another 5-10 seconds, then release 'Start.' Good luck, and have fun. Dasher It's all about the music. Really. I just keep telling myself that... The Soundsmith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyote Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 Dr. Lonnie Smith and jeff Palmer also do some serious pedal work. As to the comfort factor, it ain't easy to just sti down at a Hammond console and really play if you haven't had some experience. So by all means try to GET some experience prior to the gig. And if you don't get that opportunity, simply remember the KISS principle and you'll be fine - just set a single sound on each manual and play the heck out of 'em. Have fun! Originally posted by Dasher: Not many jazz players actually PLAY the pedals, oter than Rhoda Scott and Barbara Dennerlien, both of whom kick some serious ass (as well as pedals!) Dasher I used to think I was Libertarian. Until I saw their platform; now I know I'm no more Libertarian than I am RepubliCrat or neoCON or Liberal or Socialist. This ain't no track meet; this is football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Loving Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 To hear a real good LH bass check out Bill Willis, B3 on Jimmie Vaughan's CD "Do You Get the Blues." Don't get any better than that. "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RudyS Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 he bobus. i checked google if there were companies in the netherlands that had B3 for rent. I found this: B3 rental I know, i know it is F#^%#$% expensive, but maybe you can arrange something with the place where you do the gig (more money). And beside you can practice on your vk8 and than just rent the real B3 for just one day to learn the fine tricks on the real thing. hope it helps. Rudy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbobus Posted August 12, 2003 Author Share Posted August 12, 2003 Come to think of it, I think I might have found a solution. A friend who's living pretty far from here mentioned once he's got one. I think one phone call should do the trick. He also has a Steinway grand, so let's jam! http://www.bobwijnen.nl Hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Loving Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 Problem is now you're going to see all the shortcomings of clones, and will want to get a real one. :-) "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowly Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 I have a tip. Put your settings on the black B of the Hammond if you can. I have often turned off the sound by hitting the black B when I was going for the low C. I heard someone suggest putting a playing card there to remind you that you are at the end of the playable keys. Kcbass "Let It Be!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbobus Posted August 12, 2003 Author Share Posted August 12, 2003 Originally posted by daveloving: Problem is now you're going to see all the shortcomings of clones, and will want to get a real one. :-)Oh yeah, shit happens. http://www.bobwijnen.nl Hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdub2k1 Posted August 12, 2003 Share Posted August 12, 2003 Ha, I remember the first time I sat down to a real B3. The Beast can be intimidating. You have 4 sets of drawbars plus the set for the pedals. The pedals are not that much of a problem. I wouldn't try to disconnect them because they can be fun and usefull even if you play bass with your left hand. If you don't want to use the pedals, simply push the 2 drawbars all the way in and you can rest your foot on the pedals without worrying about making an interference. But it will be important to practice on it before your gig. Do you play left hand chords? If you do, experiment with the VERY BASIC bass lines with your foot and work the chords with both hands. You will notice how full the organ sounds and this is also the true secret behind that great B3 sound. The bad news is, when you go back to your B3 clone, you will realize how wimpy it sounds and you will loose some of the fun with your clone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbobus Posted August 12, 2003 Author Share Posted August 12, 2003 Originally posted by Jdub2k1: The bad news is, when you go back to your B3 clone, you will realize how wimpy it sounds and you will loose some of the fun with your clone. Oh, stop it! I don't wanna know... http://www.bobwijnen.nl Hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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