schmoron13 Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 so i've decided to go get an organ for gigging (mainly jazz use for this), and i just can't remember what's good anymore. Anyone have any suggestions? I know a b3 is out of the question ($$$ and lbs), but aside from getting a laptop to run b4 which would be a hassle, what do people reccomend? and what do I run it through? right now, i run my pc88mx through a yamaha pa setup (those 800w amps/mixers) with 2 15in speakers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 There are numerous Hammond clones available. You should go to a local music store and try the following: Nord Electro 2 Korg CX-3 (new version) Roland VK-8 Roland V-Combo Voce V5 module (needs external Leslie or simulator) Hammond XK-2 On the used market, you can find the above instruments as well as the Roland VK7 and Hammond XB2. The top 4 organs above all have stellar Leslie simulators and decent organ tone. Good luck! Regards, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 Boy, I can second the CX-3 and maybe the VK8. I played the Nord Electro and was less than impressed. If I hadn't lucked upon my C3 this year I would've bought a CX-3. 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...
Superbobus Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 Roland VK8 with OS 2.0 Before the OS update I liked CX3's and B4's Leslie sim much better. I bought the VK8 because of the great feel and the warmer sound compared to the CX3, but that Leslie sim sucked. Tweaking helps but the update is a must-have when you go for this board. I'm using a Craaft powered monitor with no rotary, but the OS update doesn't make me go for Motion Sound anymore. No bad words about Motion Sound. This seems the right solution for gigging organ players and of course there's the real Leslie. The VK8 has an 11-pin Leslie connector. As for the laptop. If you go B4, you still need a controller, preferably with drawbars. And a cable or chain lock too... 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...
steadyb Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 I'm relieved to see this topic is actually about a keyboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbobus Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 Originally posted by steadyb: I'm relieved to see this topic is actually about a keyboard. Hahaha, once again you made my day! 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...
Reverend Rhythm Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 I just did a gig where we had another player who just covered organ parts. He used a VK&, and I was really impressed with how good it sounded in the context of a band playing. I even liked the was the Lesle sim sounded. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steadyb Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 If you played a gig at a strip club, would they still make you cover your organ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoron13 Posted October 17, 2003 Author Share Posted October 17, 2003 thanks for the replies everyone!!! I have b4 and I use it in my home studio, but I'd like a gigging solution. you know i even contemplated making my own using the voce v5, but that'd involve finding 2 cheap waterfall keys boards, and in the end, it just would be toooo expensive. has anyone tried the speakeasy road hammonds? how much do they run for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyote Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 How about a CX3 or VK8 with an inexpensive midi controller as the 2nd manual? You could likely come in well under $2000. I just watched the Tull DVD and their keyboardist has two boards mounted in a B3-looking cabinet. The top board might have been a Hammond clone, but the bottom was a synth of some sort. He was doing some serious organ playing 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...
burningbusch Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 Originally posted by schmoron13: thanks for the replies everyone!!! I have b4 and I use it in my home studio, but I'd like a gigging solution. you know i even contemplated making my own using the voce v5, but that'd involve finding 2 cheap waterfall keys boards, and in the end, it just would be toooo expensive. has anyone tried the speakeasy road hammonds? how much do they run for?Do you need left hand bass or pedals? If not how about an M3. Lighter and small thna B, sounds better than clones and much cheaper. I guess if you're consider the speakeasy which still isn't going to be small/light. My guess is that they're maybe $5K+. I'm using the B4 on a Sony laptop into a Leslie 21. Works great. Busch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piper Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 schmoron13: i even contemplated making my own using the voce v5, but that'd involve finding 2 cheap waterfall keys boards, and in the end, it just would be toooo expensive You might be interested in this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2958184398&category=20924&rd=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoron13 Posted October 18, 2003 Author Share Posted October 18, 2003 i saw that m3 right after burningbusch recommended it, but the problem is I'm not that tech savy (yet)...so I'm not even sure what the tone will be, and how to put it together... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Posted October 18, 2003 Share Posted October 18, 2003 Jee-e-eez !!! !!! That sucker destroyed a perfectly good M3 !! WTF??? Doron, these lads that have responded to your request are some of the major Hammond aficianados on our forum: eric, ksoper, Superbobus, coyote, burningbusch........ and there are a whack of other major dudes that spend a good chunk of their lives patiently and passionately playing, studying, restoring, experimenting, and otherwise "spreading the gospel" of these classic beauties. All the Klones and most other keyboards take their best shot at simulating the sound and experience of " The Keyboard of the 20th Century" - the Hammond B3. Brother, do everybody a huge favour: get a tonewheel Hammond and a Leslie!! ...and GIG WITH IT !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbobus Posted October 18, 2003 Share Posted October 18, 2003 IF you go Hammond/Leslie, there's a way to gig with it. I know this dude who has an A100. He sawed off its legs and put a collapsable frame underneath the board, on wheels. It's a little hard to explain, but it works. Then put the Leslie on wheels and off you go. The reason I went for the VK8 is because I need compact stuff. I'm dependant on others when I'm having gigs, because of bad eyesight. 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 October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 How much are you looking to spend? I hav not heard this mentioned yet, but the Oberheim OB5 offers a double manual organ with waterfall keys and optional pedal board. The list price is $2995, but I'm sure you would get it cheaper than that. Oberheim OB5 Also there is the Voce Key5, which is also a double manual organ, but at the price, you might be better off finding a real b3. Voce Key5 Or you can do what I did. Buy a used Voce V5 ($350-$400) two 61 key controllers ($150 each) and a motionsound Pro3t ($500) or Voce Spin 2 ($250-300) and you are now at $1000-$1200 plus a midi merge box for a great sounding portable organ on a budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoo schultz Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 I second the advice about the Voce V5. It's a great little box with a big fat killer sound. I use it with my Korg M1 as a controller (built like a tank), Speakeasy tube preamp and a Motion Sound Pro3T. The combination I think is unbeatable in a clone. If you do get a V5, I would recommend hot-rodding the perc. The factory perc is way too low volume, but you can have it modified to bring it up. Bruce Wahler at Ashby Solutions does the mod for around $50. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 (aside): Hey stoo! OK, here's my gigging organ rig: Used Hammond M3 - $50 http://www.hestudiotechnik.de/image/mixed/haammond.m3.jpg Used 145 Leslie, cable, switches - $300 http://www.captain-foldback.com/Leslie_sub/decor/145_c.jpg New home-made M3/Leslie "black box" connector - $200 2 used Shure SM57 mics, cords & holders; stand - $200 Used Roll-or-Kari dollies - $300 http://www.dairiki.org/hammond/pics/rok2.jpg Satisfaction we get from riffing and ripping on this setup - priceless. P.S.- only 1 other guy to buy beer for. The A100 and the CX3 stay at home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoo schultz Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 Hey Jeep, as the saying goes, you can't get The Sound on a diet! You got some pretty good deals there, I'm jealous. All the rain up there can't be that bad, with those Hammonds to distract you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoron13 Posted October 21, 2003 Author Share Posted October 21, 2003 thanks for all the replies guys!!! in terms of price, I'd like to keep it in the 1000 range ( i know ) the voce and motion sound combo looks tempting... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lambchop Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 I'm curious if anyone has tried the new portable B3 made by Hammond/Suzuki. It's a fully functional B3 that uses an aluminum tube platform instead of wood. It breaks down into 3 pieces: keyboard, pedals and throne. The only drawback is the pricetag - $14,000. Jazz Patrol, a jazzrock/fusion experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdub2k1 Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 Originally posted by stoo schultz: I second the advice about the Voce V5. It's a great little box with a big fat killer sound. I use it with my Korg M1 as a controller (built like a tank), Speakeasy tube preamp and a Motion Sound Pro3T. The combination I think is unbeatable in a clone. If you do get a V5, I would recommend hot-rodding the perc. The factory perc is way too low volume, but you can have it modified to bring it up. Bruce Wahler at Ashby Solutions does the mod for around $50.Do you know if this guy modifies the Vibrato/Chorus volume too? This is the main problem that I have with the V5... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoo schultz Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 Nope, the vibrato/chorus depth as far as I know can't be altered on the V5. Another downside that I forgot to mention: the V5 responds to midi volume, but not to midi expression (CC#11). So you can't use an expression pedal with it, unless you build your own. Most people seem to be happy with a volume pedal though (e.g. Ernie Ball). Supposedly these minor problems are going to be fixed on the new Voce Key5 . . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Pierce Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 I'm not at all unhappy with my older model Korg CX-3, which I got on craigslist for $700. I play it through a Motion-Sound. No, it's not the real thing, but it does a passable approximation, and I can carry the rig by myself without back damage. Four trips, including stage piano, stand, bench, gig bag, etc. If I was buying a new clonewheel right now, I would most likely get the new CX-3. The Nord Electro gives it a run for its money, though. --Dave Make my funk the P-funk. I wants to get funked up. My Funk/Jam originals project: http://www.thefunkery.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keybass Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 Originally posted by Dave Pierce: I'm not at all unhappy with my older model Korg CX-3, which I got on craigslist for $700. I play it through a Motion-Sound. No, it's not the real thing, but it does a passable approximation, and I can carry the rig by myself without back damage. Four trips, including stage piano, stand, bench, gig bag, etc. If I was buying a new clonewheel right now, I would most likely get the new CX-3. The Nord Electro gives it a run for its money, though. --DaveDave, For gigs I will play a VK-8 with a pro3-t and low pro as well as a classic tube stomp box pre. What should I expect in terms of sound? Peace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdub2k1 Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 Originally posted by stoo schultz: [QB]Nope, the vibrato/chorus depth as far as I know can't be altered on the V5. [QB] Oh well... So I guess I need to mention that the V3/C3 are the only useable and audible Vibrato and Chorus on the V5. Just curious...Does anyone know about custom painting? I really would like a shinny black V5 instead of that orange, which really isn't that bad, but everything else in my rig is black. I would do it myself, but I would mess up the words on the module. Also, what does that speakeasy preamp do for clones? Is it really worth adding to a rig? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b3keys Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 My Choice: The VK8 with the OS 2 update simply ROCKS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Fiala Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 Hey Jdub, I've got a V5 too. I find that sometimes the V3 and C3 settings are really "too much" for my taste, and switch to the more subtle c2 / v2 settings. I'm surprised at your comment about these being inaudible....that hasn't been my experience. Tom F. "It is what it is." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
¾ Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 I currently own a B3, an M2 and several Leslies. In the past I have owned an M-100, an M3 and an A100 and a C2. I have also owned a Korg CX-3 which was great. Sometimes now at small gigs I just want to take one keyboard. Plus in recording, sometimes in a rock track a Simulation sounds as good (or at least different) from the whole B3/Leslie/Microphone deal. A lot quicker for sure. The one alternative that I really like right now (if I am unable to get a Hammond/Leslie setup live) is the Roland VR-760. It has pretty decent Hammond sounds, plus piano and synth sounds. And it has a passable Clavinet and Rhodes/Wurly sounds. Plus some synth sounds. If I had to choose just one keyboard to take live, this would be it. 76 notes. I have not heard anything bad about this one, and it reminds me of the CX-3. Plus it is a lot of fun to play. Suppose to be fun, right? Seriously thinking about buying one. Expensive, but looks like a contender. You might want to check it out. Anyone had any experience with this one? Good? Bad? the only good signature is the one on a cheque or a confession Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Tim- Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 Here's a link to a guy that built his own rig around a V5 - http://organ.vanzea.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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