- Any reference to the Hmmond organ B-3 applies also to the C-3/A-100/RT-3/D-100 models. - Spinetta means organs with keyboards of 44 keys (like L-100, M-100, etc.) - If you have any particular questions write us. If is of general interest we will include it between our FAQs
- How can I verify that my Hammond organ work correctly?
- You should check generator, keyboard, and electronic.
- To check the generator play in sequence all keys before only with draw-bar 16' (the first) then only with draw-bar 2' (the sixth).
- To check the keyboards and pedalboard play in sequence all notes a draw-bar at a time. Remember that spinetta models keyboards are free from high foldback system then it’s normal some harmonics after last FA # don’t play.
- To check electronic check all effects (percussion, vibrato, reverb, etc.), the amplification and the expression pedal. (torna all'inizio)
- Why percussion don’t decay?
Problem can be electronic or mechanical.
If electronic must check preamplifier’s percussion circuit.
If mechanical must check keyboard percussion control. (torna all'inizio)
- Can I set percussion’s decay?
On the preamp is always present a control that allows you to adjust percussion’s decay according to their tastes. This adjustment is usually indicated as "Cut Off" or "Percussion Decay". (torna all'inizio)
- Why volume keyboard of my B-3 decreases when Volume Percussion tab is in Normal? It’s normal. It is expected that it works so!
With a change to percussion circuit it’s possible maintain the same volume keyboard also with Volume Percussion tab is in Normal (torna all'inizio)
- Why on my B-3 last draw-bar don’t work when percussion is on? In the B-3 busbar of draw-bar 1' is used for percussion trigger control. With a change to percussion keyboard control you can assign another busbar for percussion trigger control. Usually uses busbar of draw-bar 11/3' like on spinetta models. Change is strongly recommended for don’t miss a useful even harmonic. (torna all'inizio)
- Why Vibrato of my B-3 is’nt good? You can check vibrato with selector in V3 position (maximum vibrato modulation depth). If you hear a amplitude modulation (like a tremolo) added to vibrato you need to rebuilt vibrato.
The most frequent causes is scanner overlub and/or delay line caps. (torna all'inizio)
- Why my Hammond organ don’t play well? Sound of the Hammond organ is determined first of all by the generator. To drastically improve the voice of your Hammond organ you have to rebuild generator (caps replacement and pick-ups realignment). (torna all'inizio)
- Why my B-3 highest notes repeated octave in octave? B-3 generator generates 91 frequency: the first 12 reserved to pedalboard, other 79 to manual keyboards. Then keyboards cover six octave and a half: from C2 (first DO on 8 ') to the F # 7 (fourth F # on 2'). The fourth G on 2' is same of G of previous octave, and so on for all other notes. This system is called High Foldback and allows you to retain the same timbre on all keyboard area.
First octave of B-3 manuals on 16' is the same of second octave. This system is called Low Foldback. (torna all'inizio)
- Why highest notes of my Hammond organ don’t play? On spinetta models High Foldback is missed then some harmonics above last F# is normal don’t play. (torna all'inizio)
- Why some keys of my Hammond organ don’t play on all nine harmonics? Cause can be dirty contacts. Try to play a trillo on offended key to clean contact between springs contact and relative busbar. Don’t move shift-bar to resolve the problem because situation can worsen if bus-bars are not in perfect condition.
If offended key’s autoclean operation fails most likely need to restore contact springs resistive wires broken. (torna all'inizio)
- Why on some harmonics I hear hum and/or spurious in the background? You have to rebuild generator filters. A good opportunity to restore instrument original voice! (torna all'inizio)
- Can I change my B-3 presets? The presets of the B-3 (and other models with presets key) can easily modified by the user itself. B-3 User Manual report preset change procedure. Download section of our website provide you a spreadsheet file that help you to easily change preset key. (torna all'inizio)
- Why my Hammond keyboard is noisy? May be some keys are broken (also internally) or felts wear out. (torna all'inizio)
- It is possible adjust touch sensitivity of B-3’s keyboard? You can adjust slightly B-3 keyboard touch sensitivity vary vertically front metal strip. Loosen slightly screws them fixing it and push down the strip for increase touch sensitivity. For a more pressure adjustment is needed to adjust keys springs support. (torna all'inizio)
- Why my Hammond don’t start or struggles starting? May be lack of generator lubrication or generator locked, start motor defective or low temperature. Excessive cold can hinder or, even, prevent generator starts. In this case should be heat it for few minutes (e.g. with a hot air oven) and then try again to start. (torna all'inizio)
- How often I should lub my Hammond? There is a very simple method to determine whether the organ should be lubricated. Oil is retained by felts and slowly transferred to lubrication points, then simply verify oil felts status: If felts is dry add oil filling two or three time each cup. Warning! Don’t fill cup above motor! Add oil only on the felt! Excessive lubrication at this point can deteriorate vibrato scanner!. (torna all'inizio)
- PWhiy my Hammond detune? Probably power frequency is not constant. You need to install a frequency converter on the organ in order to stabilize frequency. Other possible causes: lack of lubrication, incorrect start procedure with two motors model. (torna all'inizio)
- What happens if I use my Hammond with generator locked? Organ will be a little bit noisy due to vibrations from generator to console. (torna all'inizio)
- What can I do to process my B-3 with external effects? Yoy need to open signal path in the preamp with a Send/Return circuit in order to transform high impedance preamplifier’s signal to low impedance signal for external signal processors and return into the pre with a external processed high impedance signal. Our Effect Unit EU-3 accomplish also this function. (torna all'inizio)
- I can connect more than one Leslie to my Hammond? To connect two Leslie of the same type to same Leslie socket you can use the original connection box provided bay Leslie . Our Logical Leslie Control (LLC) allow you to connect two Leslie of different type at the same organ. (torna all'inizio)
- Can I connect my Hammond to Leslie 760 type without Combo Preamp pedal? Pedal Combo preamplifier for Leslie 760 type allow you to connect to Leslie any musical instruments (guitars, synthesizers, electronic organs, etc...) Hammond organ don’t need any preamp to drive the Leslie so they can connect directly to Leslie without pedal Pedal Combo preamplifier. Search our accessories suitable connection to your Hammond interface. (torna all'inizio)
- Can I connect a Leslie powered at 220V to an organ powered at 117V (or vice versa)? It is possible either. Between our accessories you will find interface connection for your every power needs. Leslie tur on and off with the organ power switch. (torna all'inizio)
- It is possible stop Leslie tube state motors (like 122, 147, 125 type)? See one of following ways.
- 1. Disconnect two white cables that power two slow motors. When you select slow speed Leslie go stop.
- 2. Connect a power switch instead of the jumper on the "Brake Circuit" connector on Leslie amp.
When you select the slow speed you can stop the Leslie with this switch.
- 3. Buy from us a NOS Leslie Brake Control Kit or our Leslie Logical Control (see LLC under Accessories page). (torna all'inizio)
- Why my Leslie don’t play well? Often Leslie Jensen V-21 tweeter is damaged. Because it is very difficult to find a satisfactory replacement, we strongly recommend don’t replace it with other type! We can rebuilt Leslie Jensen V-21 tweeter using the same phenolic diaphragm.
Bad sound can reside also in electronics. If tubes state Leslie try a set of new tubes to see if the sound improves. (torna all'inizio)
- How often I should lub my Leslie and where are lub points? - Lubrication of the Leslie frequency depends on the use. We recommend a lubrication per year. Please note that the mechanical parts of the Leslie are very silent then also slight mechanical noise may indicate lack of lubrication.
- Lubricate points are many and not easily accessible. Depth Leslie lub need to dismount all its mechanicals components (motors and rotors)), clean and lub it.
See our Service page for our Leslie restoration service. (torna all'inizio)
