The B3 was the most popular Hammond organ, produced from 1954 to 1974. · The Concert Model E was designed for church use and features a full 32-note pedalboard.
Played by:
on:
The Hammond B3 organ is one of the most iconic and beloved instruments in modern music, known for its distinctive sound that has influenced genres ranging from jazz to rock and gospel. Its rich tonal palette comes from its unique mechanical and electronic design, offering both percussive and harmonic possibilities.
Origins and development
The Hammond B3 organ was developed by Laurens Hammond and introduced in 1954 as part of the Hammond Organ Company’s lineup. Hammond had been working on electromechanical organs since the 1930s, and his earlier models were widely used in churches as a cost-effective alternative to traditional pipe organs. However, the B3 was designed with a more versatile role in mind, targeting both secular and religious markets.
The organ was powered by tonewheels—small metal discs that rotated inside the instrument to produce different pitches. The combination of these tonewheels and the use of drawbars to control harmonics gave musicians unprecedented control over the sound, making the B3 far more flexible than previous organs.
Rise to popularity
The Hammond B3 found its early success in jazz, with players like Jimmy Smith pioneering its use. Smith’s work in the 1950s and 1960s helped redefine jazz organ playing, showcasing the B3’s ability to both accompany and solo. The organ’s portability, relative to large church organs, also made it attractive to live performers.
The B3’s sound became synonymous with the soul, R&B, and gospel movements in the 1960s. Its warm, soulful tone paired with the distinctive Leslie speaker, which added vibrato and tremolo effects, became a signature sound in these genres. The organ’s versatility led to its inclusion in rock bands, most notably in groups like The Allman Brothers Band and Deep Purple. Keyboardists such as Gregg Allman and Jon Lord made the B3 a central element of their music.
Technological influence and legacy
While the original B3 went out of production in 1975, its influence endures through modern digital emulations and clones that seek to replicate its iconic sound. Hammond-Suzuki, the company that currently owns the brand, has produced modern versions of the B3 using digital technology to simulate the tonewheel process.
The Hammond B3 continues to be used in a wide range of genres today, from jazz and blues to progressive rock and modern gospel, demonstrating its enduring relevance and unmatched tonal capabilities. Its impact is still felt in the music world, as its sound remains a symbol of both tradition and innovation in electronic music.