Newbie help? M3 Bass Pedals sound weak

[Guest]

Hi everyone! I just aquired an M3, I think it's a 1955 (ser #80011), ebony. The guy that had it before me was the original owner, and he has passed away. It was transported without locking the Tone Generator as nobody involved knew about this precaution, however it sounds good, all the notes are there and the wiring seems to be intact. I've ordered some oil as it probably needs it.</P>


The problem I'm having is that the Bass pedals are very weak sounding, you can hardly hear them at all. They do sound like each note of the scale is there but all the notes are faint. I've replaced the 6BA6 tube and it might have helped some but any improvement is negligible. Any ideas?</P>

[TheAdmiral]

Re: Newbie help? M3 Bass Pedals sound weak



Congratulations on obtaining a great Hammond. First thing I would do is get some DeOxit and spray all the tube pins and sockets to make sure you have clean connections.</p>

What is the Form # on your serial plate? Will be A1-4. I'm doing study of these on another thread and since ebony's are not frequently encountered, the info will help reinforce the information now collected. Thanks. </p>

Next you need a Leslie! You won't believe how good it will sound with one.
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[toasterDude]

Re: Newbie help? M3 Bass Pedals sound weak



Hmm... you did the right thing in swapping out the 6BA6. Since that didn't help, though, next place to look might be the pedal cut-off control. Here's a quick summary I found of how to adjust that:hold a pedal down, and turn the pedal cut-off adjustment near the 6BA6 tube. If the sound appears at some point, release the pedal and wait for the note to die away. Correct setting of the cut off is where you just can't hear the last pedal played when the pedals are released.</P>


You might also try cleaning the cut-off pot and the pedal to amp connector, as well as the underside of the pedal drawbar, with DeOxit.The problem is almost certainly something simple and easily fixed like one of the above. Good luck with it and congrats on the ebony M3 - I have one too and love it.</P>


TD
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[JJMcS]

Re: Newbie help? M3 Bass Pedals sound weak



The pedal drawbar pushes/pulls a plunger into and out of a capacitor right behind it under the top cover. I've been told that over time they dry out and shrink/crack and can give that symptom.</P>
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Good Luck.</P>

[Guest]

Re: Newbie help? M3 Bass Pedals sound weak

Thanks guys, I'll keep at it. The Form number is A2

[Guest]

Re: Newbie help? M3 Bass Pedals sound weak

Yippee!! Closer inspection found 3 broken solder joints. Bass pedals are loud and clear now. Thanks for the help.