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Lesson 3 of 45Hammond OrganIntermediate

History of the Hammond

Joe Glossop

With

Joe Glossop
2:14

Joe talks about where the Hammond organ came from, including the pivotal role of the Leslie speaker

Part of the coursePlay Authentic Hammond Organ45 lessons (3h 0m)

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45 lessons (3h 0m) · 1 free

    • 01. History of the Hammond

      You are here

      2:14

    • 02. Operation of the C3 Hammond

      6:22

    • 03. Types of Hammond

      3:30

    • 04. Operation of the M101 Hammond

      7:05

Lesson transcript

Introduction to the 1963 C3 Hammond Organ

Here we have a 1963 C3 Hammond organ and the 1965 ISH Leslie 145.

The Origin of the Hammond Organ

  • The Hammond organ was a creation of the 1930s.
  • Laurens Hammond, a watchmaker, invented the organ using a component called the tone wheel generator.

How It Works:

  • The tone wheel generator is quite complex, involving:
    • A lot of cogs on a wheel spinning.
    • Passing an electric current through it produces a tone.

Production Timeline

  • This model was made from 1955 to 1975, along with the B3 models.
  • Initially aimed at:
    • Replacing old pipe organs in churches.
    • Serving as a home instrument.

The Leslie Speaker

  • A significant change occurred when Don Leslie developed the Leslie speaker.
  • He observed that while the organ sounded good, it needed more motion to avoid a static sound.

Innovations:

  • Leslie created a valve amplifier with rotors that:
    • Spin via motors, cables, and pulleys.

Impact on Music

  • This innovation transformed the Hammond organ into a versatile instrument.
  • It gained popularity in the 1950s at:
    • Jazz gigs
    • Gospel performances

Cultural Significance:

  • The organ became a staple in pop and rock and roll music.
  • Its widespread use likely would not have happened if it had stayed as just a church instrument.

Personal Connection

  • I purchased this organ on eBay about eight years ago.
  • These organs can be difficult to find in good condition.

Modifications:

  • This one has been:
    • Chopped in half for touring (as seen by the line down the middle).
    • Equipped with a handle for portability.
    • Updated with protection for transportation in vans.

Demonstration

Now, I may as well show you how it works.

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Joe Glossop

Joe Glossop

Joe Glossop is a keyboard player from Sheffield who has made his name on the Hammond organ. He currently holds the organ chair in Tom Jones's touring band, and has played with Van Morrison and James Hunter, as well as on piano and Rhodes. His courses get the real Hammond sound out of any keyboard - drawbar registration, the Leslie, the walking-bass left hand, and the comping and soloing vocabulary of the soul-jazz, blues and rock organ traditions, from Jimmy Smith to Booker T.

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