The Hammond Organ has been an iconic instrument for many musicians drawn to its warm, rich, and soothing sound. It has become a vital piece of equipment in churches, studios, and concert halls. The Hammond Organ is integral to jazz, blues, and gospel music. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the Hammond Organ pedalboard and explore and explore the pros and cons of 25-note and 32-note pedalboards. I’ve played both and own a 32-note pedalboard with my XK5 organ at home.
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Hammond 25-Note Pedalboard
The traditional Hammond Pedalboard consists of 25 chromatically tuned notes from a low C on the bottom to a middle C two octaves higher.
The pedals are played with the feet while the hands play the keys. The Hammond Organ pedalboard is specifically designed for players looking to create soulful bass sounds with their feet.
Pros of the 25 Note Organ Pedalboard
The 25-note Hammond Pedalboard has its pros and cons.
The Hammond organ, especially with a 25-note pedalboard, offers a unique and versatile musical experience. Here are some of the benefits of using a 25-note pedalboard with the Hammond organ:
Increased Musical Range: With 25 notes, you can add bass lines that would otherwise be difficult on a smaller pedalboard or a manual-only organ.
Enhanced Versatility: The 25-note pedalboard allows you to play a variety of musical genres, from classical and jazz to rock and pop. It’s suitable for both solo performances and ensemble settings.
Improved Coordination and Technique: Using a pedalboard with the Hammond organ can help improve your foot coordination and pedaling technique, which are valuable skills for any keyboardist.
Deep, Rich Sound: The combination of the Hammond organ’s distinctive tonewheel generator system and the 25-note pedalboard can produce deep, rich sounds that add depth and dimension to your music.
Expanded Creativity: Having more notes at your disposal means you have more options for creating unique and innovative music.
Remember, mastering a pedalboard with the organ takes time and practice but can significantly enhance your musical capabilities and creativity.
Cons of the 25 Note Pedalboard
While a 25-note pedalboard with the Hammond organ brings many benefits, it also has a few potential downsides:
Learning Curve: Mastering a 25-note pedalboard can be challenging, especially for beginners. It requires good foot coordination and multitasking ability, as you’ll often play the organ’s keys and pedals simultaneously.
Physical Demands: Using a pedalboard can be physically demanding, especially during long performances. Sitting in the correct position and using the proper pedaling technique can help, but some players may still find it tiring.
Space Requirements: A Hammond organ with a 25-note pedalboard can take up more space than other keyboards. This could be an issue in smaller venues or home studios.
Maintenance and Repair: Like any mechanical device, a pedalboard can require maintenance and repairs over time. Depending on the specific issue, this could be costly.
Cost: Hammond organs, particularly vintage models, can be expensive. Adding a 25-note pedalboard to the equation increases the cost even further.
Despite these potential drawbacks, many musicians find that the benefits of using a 25-note pedalboard with the Hammond organ outweigh the cons. You can overcome these challenges and make the most of this powerful musical tool with practice and patience.
32-Note Pedalboard with the Hammond Organ
For modern digital Hammond organs with midi, one feature is the ability to add a 32-note pedalboard. This feature significantly expands the range of the pedalboard. On a 32-note pedalboard, an additional half-octave is added, and the pedalboard ends on a G.
The midi connection adds versatility to the Hammond Organ by enabling you to connect it to a computer or digital device.
Pros of the 32 Note Organ Pedalboard
Playing a Hammond organ with a 32-note pedalboard can benefit the musician. Here are some of them:
Extended Range: With a 32-note pedalboard, you have a more comprehensive range of notes than smaller pedalboards. This allows for more complex and varied bass lines.
Greater Versatility: The additional notes give you more flexibility in the styles and music you can play. For instance, many classical organ compositions require a 32-note pedalboard.
Improved Musicality: Playing with a 32-note pedalboard can enhance your overall musicality. It requires a high level of coordination and can help develop your sense of rhythm and timing. This is the American Guild of Organists (AGO) standard configuration for an organ pedalboard. Mastering this pedalboard is essential for serious organists.
Remember, while these benefits make a compelling case for using a 32-note pedalboard, they also come with challenges, such as a steeper learning curve and potentially higher costs. However, with practice and dedication, you can undoubtedly reap the rewards of this setup.
Cons of the 32 Note Pedalboard
While a 32-note pedalboard with the Hammond organ can amplify your musical capabilities, it does come with certain disadvantages:
Steep Learning Curve: A 32-note pedalboard requires much practice to master. It demands enhanced foot coordination and multitasking abilities, as you often play the organ’s keys and pedals simultaneously.
Space Requirements: The Hammond organ and a 32-note pedalboard can occupy considerable space. This might pose a challenge in smaller venues or home studios. You can also not use organ stands designed for modern Hammond organs, as they are not wide enough to accommodate the width of a 32-note pedalboard.
Weight: The 32-note board will add more weight. Organists who move their rig should be prepared for a heavier-weighing organ setup.
Swell Pedal Compatibility: On my 32-note pedalboard connected to my Hammond XK5, I have swell shoes that I can use when triggering Hauptwerk or similar sampling software. The swell pedal provided by Hammond cannot be mounted on a 32-note pedalboard so a custom modification will be needed. In addition, I have yet to be able to figure out how to get the non-Hammond swell shoe to control the volume of the Hammond XK5 itself. The swell pedals (non-Hammond) work for Hauptwerk, but to date, I haven’t found settings in the XK5 to accept non-Hammond swell pedals.
Less Commonly Used in the Hammond community: Many compositions, especially in non-classical genres, do not require the full range of a 32-note pedalboard. Thus, for some musicians, a 25-note pedalboard might be sufficient.
These potential downsides should be weighed against the benefits when considering whether a 32-note pedalboard is the right choice for you.
Is a Pedalboard Necessary for the Hammond Organ?
A pedalboard is not strictly necessary for playing a Hammond organ but significantly expands the instrument’s capabilities and versatility.
Most rock organists don’t use a pedalboard with the Hammond organ. Even the keyboard great Keith Emerson didn’t tour with an organ pedalboard. The best-known exception to this is Steve Winwood, who can play bass lines on his Hammond organ pedalboard with his feet.
Jazz organists are likelier to opt for a 25-note pedalboard, as this is commonly seen in jazz organ trios. In this configuration, the organist is responsible for bass tones, and the trio is rounded out with a guitarist and drummer.
While it is possible to play SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) arrangements on an organ without using the pedals, the resulting sound is often less satisfactory than when the pedals are employed. The pedalboard allows the organist to play bass lines independently from the melodies and harmonies on the manuals, creating a fuller, richer sound.
Incorporating a pedalboard can increase the difficulty level in learning to play the organ. However, with practice, organists can learn to synchronize and keep track of the foot pedals along with the knobs and stops, enhancing their overall musicianship in the process.
MIDI pedalboards have become increasingly popular in the 21st century, used with traditional organs and synthesizers and electronic Hammond-style organs. They allow for greater control and flexibility in shaping the instrument’s sound.
Finally, it’s worth noting that specific models of traditional Hammond organs, such as the Model E or the RT-3, came equipped with a 32-note pedalboard, providing an even more comprehensive range of musical possibilities.
While a pedalboard may not be necessary to play a Hammond organ, it dramatically enhances the instrument’s potential and is considered an integral part of organ playing.
Where Can You Buy a 32-Note Pedalboard for the Hammond Organ?
I purchased my 32-note pedalboard from Classic Midi Works. It has served me well for nearly a dozen years.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hammond Organ Pedalboard is a unique feature of the Hammond Organ. It produces a warm, soulful, powerful bass sound that adds depth and richness to your music.
The 25-note pedalboard is simple, affordable, and ideal for beginners or those with limited space or budget. The 32-note pedalboard expands the range, complexity, and versatility of the pedalboard and is more suitable for advanced players.
It’s essential to consider your skill level, budget, and personal preferences when choosing the Hammond Pedalboard. Whatever pedalboard you select will undoubtedly enhance your playing experience and bring joy to your performance.
Arthur Dobrucki