If you’re a keyboardist chasing the legendary tone of a Hammond B3, few pieces of gear will get you closer to the real deal than the Leslie 3300. Designed with the modern player in mind, this rotary speaker is the ultimate companion for the Hammond XK-5 and any other organ clone aiming to replicate the authentic sound of classic tonewheel organs.
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A Leslie Built for the Modern Organist
The Leslie 3300 offers a perfect balance between vintage warmth and modern practicality. Powered by a robust 300-watt RMS amplifier and boasting a genuine rotating horn and bass rotor, it delivers the unmistakable Leslie sound—complete with the signature Doppler effect that brings organ tones to life. Whether you’re emulating Jimmy Smith’s soulful licks or gospel-inspired swells, the 3300P responds with precision and soul.
While it’s powerful enough to fill a concert hall, it’s also said to require less volume than some competing rotary speaker cabinets to achieve its signature warmth and movement. That makes it ideal not just for large venues, but also for smaller stages and church settings where stage volume needs to be managed.
Thoughtfully Designed for Gigging Musicians
Portability is a key consideration for any working musician. While the Leslie 3300 weighs in at just over 100 pounds, its integrated wheels make it dramatically easier to transport than vintage Leslie models like the 122 or 147. Any player who’s wrestled a classic cabinet up a set of stairs will appreciate the smart mobility built into the 3300’s design.
Another significant upgrade is in the construction. Newer models of the 3300P are built with plywood, offering greater durability and superior resonance compared to cabinets made from MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Plywood not only improves tone but also increases the longevity of the speaker, making it a long-term investment you can rely on.
The Perfect Match for the Hammond XK-5
Pairing the Leslie 3300 with the Hammond XK-5 is like completing a musical equation. The XK-5’s meticulous tonewheel modeling and multi-contact keyboard system are best experienced through a true rotary speaker—and the 3300 brings that sound to life in full, three-dimensional glory. With the proper cable setup and a few quick configuration tweaks, this duo delivers a playing experience so authentic, it’s easy to forget you’re not sitting at an original B3 with a Leslie 122.
Of course, the Leslie 3300 isn’t exclusive to Hammond’s flagship clonewheel. Players using instruments from other brands—such as Crumar, Viscount, or even Nord—have also embraced this speaker as the gold standard for recreating the Leslie effect in its most musical form.
Final Thoughts
The Leslie 3300 isn’t just a modern update—it’s the pinnacle of rotary speaker technology available today. From its road-ready construction to its lush, room-filling sound, it outclasses competitors and vintage models alike in practicality, tone, and reliability. This speaker will make your organ sing like never before.
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Arthur Dobrucki