Instructional videos mostly that deal with Hammond organs. There are a few of me attempting to play; I am by no means an accomplished player. My favorite organists are those who play pop, standards, broadway. Ethel Smith, Ken Griffin, Jesse Crawford, Dick Liebert among many, many others.
Great video, but at 4:35 I recommend you wear nitrile gloves when handing the Bus Bars. Oils from your hands contaminate them and cause corrosion over time which defeats the purpose of cleaning them in the first place.
I have enough oil on my fingers that this is really not a problem. Besides, the palladium wire is the contact surface, and I do not touch that. But you can do as you please.
At 1:02 Those contacts are made of Palladium. The same material used on Plain Old Telephine Systems (POTS) switching relays. That is an expensive element (about $950 USD per ounce). You might want to save the contacts for recyling/cash if you ever scrap a Hammond Organ.
It would be fun to make a huge tone wheel from an old steel merry-go-round, a 2-stroke motor (muffled, of course) on a rubber tire contact drive, a large loudspeaker with a wonker of a magnet converted to act as a pickup and a modest p/a system to amplify it. I’d watch that video. Heck; maybe I’ll make that video after I pay my insurance premiums and buy the dog some ear muffs ; )
Could be a few things. If the TG does not spin freely, the run motor does not have the torque to keep it running. Do you oil regularly? In worst cases, the TG can be unbolted and raised up far enough to oil all 100+ bearings individually to free it up. If it has been dry for a while, oil generously by filling the funnels a few times and let it sit for 2 or more weeks and see if it improves. Look at the video on the TG. Just do not put too much oil in the scanner, it does not need more than keeping the felt pad damp. Same with the vibrato scanner. If it is gummed up, it will prevent operation. Disconnect the scanner from the TG by removing the 4 mounting nuts, and see if it works with the scanner disconnected.If that fixes it, the scanner must be taken apart and cleaned. See the video on this. The run motor cound be bad. You will need to unsolder the wires, check continuity to the coils. The run switch itself can go bad. Disconnect and check with a meter. There is also a big resistor on the termanal strip. It is not common, but if that resistor goes bad it will prevent running.
Thank you for sharing. What I been searching for, not continuously, for at least several hours, is how to tune this after the capacitors are replaced, especially since non-standard values. Cheers, Adriel
There are 2 ways to calibrate. You will need either an oscilloscope or a millivolt meter. You can either change the capacitor values to achieve the desired output, or move the magnetic pickup rods in or out to achieve the desired value. You may want to also look into installing a R/C network in those tones that need it. You will need to procure a set of tone values and match your values to the chosen calibration curve. hammond-leslie.info/KonsTGandTaperingData/ Go to "the organ forum" web site and ask for assistance. There are a lot ov very competent and helpful people on that forum. This is a tedious process, and difficult to perform with the TG installed as half the pickups are at the back and hard to reach. Also the tiny locking screws for the pickups are easily broken off if they are frozen in place, and there is no real repair for that other than TG dismantling.
@@bobmann107, thank you for your help. Right now, have a Harbor Fright DVM (spelling intentional) and a Heathkit 7A that was my first re-cap. Since it is a comparison, the readings only have to be reliable, correct? Okay, great knowing there are two methods. Maybe since I prefer having it performing best as possible, little of both. I do plan on marking where originally positioned so can return, plus, with it off, mark in red where it would contact, rather avoid dulling the tip and removing the lacquer.. Looked into the RC network just now, I have decided against, I want as much force out of it as possible (when unknowingly played it since 12 years of age, self taught, for a number of years until knew better, usually played at medium to full volume). That was one of the resources looking for, the link is so very helpful! 😁 Here I thought all equal, rather, maximum value and generally in a similar slope. I been a member of the forum for a very long time, lot changed, though not too long ago, asked for help and it was difficult. I am aware of it being a bit tedious, but, I adore tedium. Yes, I just found out the tone generator must be removed, any tips? Even with masking tape and a marker, the plethora of wires is terrifying. Good to know about the locking screws, have SiliKroil in an oiler, so add some and let it soak while re-capping. Cheers, Adriel
@@adrielrowley On the Organ Forum there is a file in the hammond forum under topics of a number guide for the terminal strip. It helps when putting it back together. Look here, there is a lot of information on the TG recalibration and cap replacement. organforum.com/forums/forum/electronic-organs-midi/hammond-organs/735606-tonewheel-output-calibration
I have a video on keyboard removal. This is a part of the process of TG removal, as all the same wires are disconnected. You could actually leave the TG in place, and take the keyboard out to access the TG. This would also mean that the pedal wires on the TG could stay in place.
@@bobmann107 Thank you for taking the time to find and reply to my questions, very much appreciated. 😁 Yes, I am making a mountain out of a molehill, sorry. I downloaded the file, see about getting it printed. That should save a lot of time. My high strung mind is having a hard time reading through the thread, I rather have data like what is provided in the thread I shared... However, if have another relapse of being unwell, I have something to read. Removing the manual also allow me to fix my mistake made due to inexperience (now know to slide protection in) plus clean and re-grease the strips. Cheers, Adriel
I greatly admire geniuses playing Hammond style's on clones, although it is more about their flawless techniques than a Hammond sound. Most emulators and Hammond style synths are not creating a sound of a tone wheel generator. I had a case of a Hammond player asking me to replace a tonewheel generator in his Hammond with Hammond's oscillator board. He was back in a week and begged me to put his old tonewheel generator back. Is is a true story. I was absolutely not surprized.
I agree 100%. I do own a Viscount Legend. I must say that the sound reproduction is remarkable. Keep in mind that 80% of the "Hammond Sound" is a direct result of the speaker. People spend too much time chasing that sound, when it really only exists in their own mind. I have had dozens of all models of Hammond come thru the shop, rebuilt dozens, and listened to hundreds. They all sound different to some degree.
@@bobmann107 They do, however an amount of harmonics of a tonewheel is practicaly infinite and Hammond's genius was on flltering and mixing those harmonics. Although it is theoreticaly possible to build an immitation of tonewheel using electronics they do fall short of quality. I will not even try to discuss seven contacts under every key in Hammonds, or a fact of using vacuum tubes. Speakers were a masterpiece in years 1950-1980. People were fascinated with electronics. I still have original Eminnence speakers, built like a tank and sounding perfectly.Leslie was a superior company and I agree that a big percentage of Hammond sound was a result of their perfection in sound engineering. Too bad that these times are gone.
Hi Bob ! A big thank for your videos. They are very precious, It really helped me cleaning my Hammond C3's busbars. I had an issue when I brought back the busbars in the upper manual. My son accidentally pressed a preset key on the upper manual. I didn't see that and now I have to do the job again. Before I desassemble the organ, do I have something special to do ? Recognize the pressed preset, pull up or down all the upper drawbars, press the cancel key before removing the busbars (I will do that when I'll put back the busbars, like you tell us in your video !) or press the preset key corresponding to the sound I hear ? I've made some research on the web but didn't find the information. I'm a little bit lost and I don't understand how the preset keys contacts work. A big thank and best regards from France.
There is one and only one source for most parts inside a Hammond. A donor organ. Sadly, this means that there is a finite supply of parts available, and some point in the future spare parts will become very expensive due to scarcity and only those with deep pockets will be able to afford them.
That is true, and I never said that it did. You obviously never worked on a TG before and for sure never calibrated one. The calibration process involves moving the pickup in relation to the tonewheel to a specific output that corresponds to that specific tone. It happens from time to time that the pickup accidently hits the tonewheel during this process. This experiment was to determine if permanent damage would render the tonewheel useless.
I recently have been working on my 1960 M3 after taking the organ out of storage after 20 years. This had the front cover still on it so the insides are very clean. Tube checked and replaced as needed amp tubes. Hammond oil to left cup for scanner and motor, both middle and right cups had three doses of filling cup, that was Friday night. Saturday checked and had some squealing bearings so I left it alone. Sunday night so two days later: tonight, I realized that some heat might get the oil to flow better. After ten minutes of going up and down the generator on the bottom side slowly back and forth, I started the organ and had NO SQUEEALING!! When I shut down the generator it ran for 16 seconds until it stopped. I imagine this might be rare? but if your organ is squealing give it some loving heat! Johnne in Clallam Bay, WA..
That squeal is the TG begging for oil. The heat probably released some oil that was imbedded in the oilite bearings, and is a temporary fix. The ideal solution is to turn the TG on it's side and oil each bearing. This is easy in an M model, just unclamp the wire harness, unbolt the TG and lift. If you do not want to do that, fill the oil cups a few times and wait a week or 2 for the oil ot get to the bearings. Heat will help here as well as it is possible that someone used something other than Hammond oil and it can gum up the threads. There is a remote possibility that someone broke a oil thread at some point over the years. Bottom line is to shut it down immediately if you hear it squeal, as it could cause bearing damage.
You are obviously ignorant of the variety of TG that Hammond produced and the repair and maintenance of these devices. Before I shot this video, I tried literally for 2 years to GIVE this away. Shipping was often an issue as this thing weighs a lot and it would cost a lot to ship anywhere. Also, there is ZERO need for anyone to replace an entire TG from an H model. This TG is not compatible with the other earlier consoles like the B,C,D,E, etc. with either components or in it's entirety. I just did not have the room to store it any longer. The knowledge that was uncovered and the show and tell value was worth it, rather than me disposing without the video.
@@bobmann107I bought a couple of old organs what's the idea of salvage in the power amps conversion to guitar amps. Will it be a bad idea to just throw that stuff away. I mean I don't think they're very valuable. In fact I think he only gave like $10 for one and the other they couldn't get rid of so they gave it to me it's a really small and pretty darn antiques
@@tomstulc9143 I am assuming that you are referring to Hammonds. I actually sold a few amps to someone who rebuilds them for use as guitar amps. It will take someone who knows what he is doing, though. If not that, just the tubes are worth some $$, look in ebay for estimates. It also depends on the model of the Hammond, some are worth more than others. Also depending on the model, there are other components that are worth some $$$, like the buss bars, keys, pedal boards, drawbar unit, etc.
@@bobmann107 He means in the very end of your video, what you are saying cuts off before you complete the sentence so we dont know what you said, but I bet it's "...will maintain speed"
I have been fixing an M3 for a friend and couldn't get the starter to engage. Thanks to this video, it was a 10 minute fix, followed by a happy dance. Thanks very much, Bob!
I stumbled across this post looking for information about my mother's organ. She recently passed away, and I'll be moving it along to a new home. Hopefully to someone that will play and appreciate what it is. It's been a couple years since she last played it, but everything worked then. I don't know what a fair price would be. If someone is interested, please give me a call.
My ‘47 CV is about due for a scanner cleaning. This video helps immensely. It’s absolutely insane the level of complexity that goes into these machines.
Why don't you read the description before making ignorant comments! This TG was literally in a dumpster, the rest of the organ, an H model that has no value, had already been destroyed, so at least it provided some educational value. This TG cannot be used in any other older models, either. If you knew anything at all about a Hammond and all the models, you would have already known that.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I had to partially take mine apart to fix some connections, but putting it back is a pain because I'm lazy to look at the docs so I do it all by memory.amazing instrument, can beleive I found it in a ditch for free. Actually I can, it was broken
The Hammond organ was a masterpiece of an instrument and the fact that it was developed in a day when electronic technology was pre-semiconductor. The mechanics of the design are incredible. The fact that these organs could be used from church music through to heavy rock is a testament to the design. OK, nowadays the sound can be reproduced - almost - using software and DSPs, but nothing beats the feel of a Hammond keyboard. In my life I have been privelaged to play only a handful of real Hammonds and in 1999 I came within a whisker of actually owning one, but circumstances and a nagging wife stopped that!
Hello, Thank you very much, your videos have helped me a lot to get to know this Instrument... I have a Hammond E100, which when I turn on the Organ, the Scanner produces a Very Loud Sound, please, what can I review to Solve it?...
@@bobmann107 Thanks, my friend George Kadwell sometimes played in Jackie's style. I often played drums with George - RIP 2 great musicians. Here's one of my favourite tunes by George. It's from a great album. Another friend Lawrence Crawford played trombone on this album. The trombone blends nice with the B3. Jackie Davis did an album with trombones too. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C3PC3XE7eno.html
