For keyboardists encountering a Hammond organ for the first time, the experience can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Unlike a traditional piano or digital keyboard, the Hammond organ presents a unique interface filled with an array of drawbars, switches, and controls that shape its iconic sound. This article dives into an introduction to the Hammond Organ.
Since my first Hammond organ encounter, I’ve played organ with jazz and rock combos, genres where the Hammond shines brightly. My chief organ experience is the last 25 years in Southern California Roman Catholic Churches, where the standard church organ instrument these days is a digital pipe organ.
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Introducing the Hammond Organ
The Hammond organ, an influential musical instrument, was invented by Laurens Hammond and first manufactured in 1935. Originally designed as a more affordable substitute for the pipe organ, it quickly found its niche in various music genres due to its unique sound. The first model, the Model A, introduced the world to the distinctive tones produced by its tonewheel generator and electromagnetic pickup system.
Over the years, the Hammond organ was embraced by jazz, blues, rock, and gospel musicians, becoming an essential part of the soundscape of the 20th century. Its popularity was further boosted by the introduction of the Leslie speaker, which enhanced its auditory presence. Today, the Hammond organ is celebrated not only for its rich history but also for its enduring impact on modern music.
The Leslie Speaker Sound
Its signature sound has become iconic and recognizable, thanks to the contributions of many talented musicians and inventors. One of these notable figures is Don Leslie. Don Leslie was an engineer who revolutionized the sound of the Hammond organ by developing the Leslie speaker. The Leslie speaker was initially designed for use with electronic organs but later became synonymous with the Hammond organ due to its distinct rotary effect.
Leslie’s speaker design created a spinning motion that produced a rich, swirling sound similar to that of a pipe organ. It gave the Hammond organ a much more dynamic and versatile sound, making it popular among musicians in jazz, rock, blues, and gospel genres.
Hammond Organ in Popular Music
The Hammond organ, an iconic instrument, has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of modern music. Its distinctive sound has traversed various genres, thanks in large part to virtuosos like Jimmy Smith, who pioneered its use in jazz, blending soulful riffs with complex melodies. Smith’s influence paved the way for the organ’s integration into rhythm and blues, where it became a staple of the Motown sound, adding a rich, textured layer to the music that defined an era.
In the realm of rock, Jon Lord of Deep Purple brought the Hammond organ to the forefront, using its powerful tones to craft unforgettable riffs and solos that became integral to the band’s sound. Meanwhile, Wild Bill Davis, known for his work in swing and jazz, expanded the organ’s reach, showcasing its versatility and dynamic range. Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer further pushed the boundaries, using the organ in progressive rock to create complex, symphonic arrangements that demonstrated the instrument’s capacity for innovation.
Together, these musicians not only popularized the Hammond organ but also showcased its adaptability, ensuring its continued presence in modern music. The instrument’s ability to bridge genres and inspire creativity remains unmatched, solidifying its status as a timeless component of the musical world.
My First Encounter With A Hammond Organ
My first encounter with a Hammond B3 came unexpectedly when I was asked to play for a family wedding. Walking into the church on the day of the ceremony, I was stunned to see a Hammond organ in place of the familiar piano. Despite being an experienced pianist, I was completely baffled by the complexity of the instrument and even struggled to figure out how to turn it on! That initial bewilderment eventually turned into a deep appreciation for the Hammond organ, an instrument I have since played in jazz, rock, and church settings for over 25 years.
If you ever find yourself in front of this fascinating instrument, this quick introduction will help you navigate its basic functions.
Powering Up the Hammond
Starting a Hammond organ is akin to cranking an old Model A Ford. The tonewheel organ instrument requires two switches to be engaged in sequence:
- Locate the Start and Run switches.
- Press and hold the Start switch (it will try to snap back) for about 8–10 seconds. You should hear the tone generators power up.
- While still holding the Start switch, turn on the Run switch. Unlike the Start switch, the Run switch will stay engaged.
- After about five more seconds, release the Start switch. The organ is now powered up and ready to play.
Understanding Presets and Drawbars
Once the organ is running, you can select sounds using the preset keys and drawbars:
- Preset Keys: The reverse-color keys (black and white) on the lower left control factory-set registrations. Some may have labels indicating their intended sound.
- A and B Presets: These are user-configurable presets that allow for custom sound settings.
- Drawbars: The drawbars are the heart of the Hammond organ’s tone control. Located at the top of the console, they shape the harmonic content of the sound. The standard Hammond drawbar setup consists of five groups:
- Upper Manual: A & B settings
- Pedals: Two drawbars
- Lower Manual: A & B settings
Each drawbar functions as a harmonic controller, producing pure tones with varying harmonic content. The color-coded drawbars correspond to different frequencies:
| Number | Color | Harmonic Type | Interval | Footage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Brown | Sub-Fundamental | Sub-octave | 16’ |
| II | Brown | Sub-Third | Sub-Third | 5 1/3’ |
| III | White | Fundamental | Unison | 8’ |
| IV | White | 2nd Harmonic | Octave | 4’ |
| V | Black | 3rd Harmonic | Twelfth | 2 2/3’ |
| VI | White | 4th Harmonic | Super Octave | 2’ |
| VII | Black | 5th Harmonic | Seventeenth | 1 3/5’ |
| VIII | Black | 6th Harmonic | Nineteenth | 1 1/3’ |
| IX | White | 8th Harmonic | Twenty-Second | 1’ |
Creating Registrations
The beauty of the Hammond organ lies in its ability to create a wide range of sounds by adjusting drawbars. Some basic settings include:
- Cathedral Diapason (soft organ sound):
- 00 7755 430
- Diapason Chorus (fuller organ tone):
- 82 8855 442
- Brass Trumpet (bright lead sound):
- 01 5888 850
- Jazz Solo (classic registration):
- 88 8800 000
Working with the Pedals
Unlike traditional pipe organs, the pedal section on a Hammond is quite limited, typically featuring just two drawbars (16’ and 8’). Because of this, the pedalboard is best suited for basic bass lines rather than complex passages.
Vibrato and Chorus
Another defining characteristic of the Hammond organ is its built-in vibrato and chorus effects. These are controlled via a dedicated switch, adding depth and richness to the tone. Experimenting with these settings can yield a variety of tonal textures.
Likely Encounters With Hammond Organs
A keyboard player will most likely encounter these iconic instruments in a few key locations. Firstly, many churches still feature Hammond organs as central to their musical ensembles. Revered for their rich, soulful sound, these organs often accompany choirs and enhance worship services, providing a timeless musical backdrop that resonates with congregants.
In addition to religious settings, recording studios are another common venue where Hammond organs can be found. Musicians and producers across various genres appreciate the Hammond’s distinct tonal qualities, using it to add depth and character to recordings. These studios often maintain well-preserved Hammonds to capture that quintessential vintage sound that modern digital instruments cannot replicate. I’ve had the pleasure of working in the studio with vintage Hammond organs run through Leslie speakers. The authentic sound is stunning.
Whether performing live in a church or laying down tracks in a studio, keyboardists will find the Hammond organ an integral part of the musical landscape.
Final Thoughts
The Hammond organ is a remarkable instrument with a rich history in jazz, rock, and church music. While it may appear intimidating initially, understanding its basic functions will allow you to unlock its full potential. The key to mastering the Hammond organ lies in experimentation—adjusting drawbars, trying different registrations, and discovering what works best for your playing style.
If you find yourself in front of a Hammond for the first time, take a deep breath, power it up, and start exploring. You just might fall in love with this legendary instrument!
Thanks for reading!
Arthur Dobrucki