Hammond B3 organ vs Hammond Suzuki XK3

Jim Alfredson, organist for acclaimed soul jazz trio organissimo and blues band Root Doctor, discusses the differences between a 1958 Hammond B3 and the Hammond Suzuki XK3.

If you would like Jim's custom tonewheel set for the XK3, email him through the organissimo website. www.organissimo.org

The set does NOT work on the XK3c.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• XK3
• XK3c
• Leslie 122
• hammond
• b3
• organ
• jazz
• joey defrancesco
• jimmy smith
• keith emerson

[davidjohan99]

@b3groover ha ha yup ...you maybe right there...I've played a few wrecks myself...that's why I always try to use my own.....well in the UK at least!...the thing about all the digital Hammonds is not just the rather bland "oh here I am don't I sound like a real Hammond" sounds.....but the total lack of swell when you open the throttle....a real Hammond doesn't just get louder [ I'm sure you know:) ]....but fatter...thicker....just pure POWER!...Everyone should try one!

[b3groover]

@davidjohan99 The XK3 and XK3c can do that. The trick is to use a real Leslie.

[davidjohan99]

Hmmmm close but no cigar! Keyboard player for more years than I care to admit [have '59 A100] and the XK 3 is nowhere near a decent Hammond sound!! No soul..no guts...no power..anyone that's really flown a Big Hammond on stage with afterburners on will know what I'm saying! :-) typical digital poo..Ok for a studio when the organ sound is lost in the mix but hopeless live..a bit like driving a Suzuki instead of a Ferrari!

Big Hammond = BREATH TAKING...XK3 sound the same? Don't hold yr breath!

[b3groover]

@davidjohan99 I've played all over the world. Many times the backline Hammonds have very little juice behind them. Just two days ago I played the house organ at BB Kings in Orlando and the busbars were so bad on the top manual, I couldn't use it at all. I had to do everything on the lower manual. In those situations, I'd much rather have the XK3. I know what I'm getting every time. Sure, a perfectly maintained B3 and two Leslies is preferrable, but that's an anomaly out here on the road.

[Magnificent881]

Is easy (in a relative way) to get an XK3? Or I have to sell by balls to get one? And also if I want to learn to play this is, if I start with a synthetizer or a piano, will I be prepared.

I am from Colombia and I am 14 years old. I will appreciate an answer.

[b3groover]

@Magnificent881 I don't know how easy it is to obtain an XK3 in Columbia. Here in the USA, they are easy to come by. You could try to get an XK1. They are less expensive but sound great.

As for how to play like that, it begins and ends with Jimmy Smith. :)

[theantiantihero]

Very helpful video and, good goobley-goop can you play! Thanks, Jim.

[TheNorthernSoulKing]

Ive commented before great video love watching it. I am in a bit of a spot. I am having trouble selling my concord hammond Id love to take the money from that to get this. Do you know or anyone where I can sell it or how I live in Ohio. Thank you

[pswcne]

Great Demo Moe!! Just what I needed to see.

[PhilipK100]

How do I describe the wonderful B3 organ sounds Ian Maclagan was able to produce for Rod Stewart and the faces in the early 70's?

[sfpratt1954]

Are the caps on your B3 TWG and chorus line original?

[protools3076]

By the way, if anyone is interested I have an additional Hammond xk3 that I would be willing to let go of. Great condition, as if I just bought it from the store. And I'm looking forward to a nice video of a break down in changing the tonewheels, and editing, just as in the video you explained that could be done. I'm factory right now and would love to break free!!!