Have You Forgotten Your Password or Username?

**Guest** · 10-06-2009, 05:36 AM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Hi Skippy,

My needs are fitting to the H series, so I will do you no good there.. 

However, I believe the reliability issues are way overstated...; I played one for 20 years in church, starting when it was two years old...nothing but oil...and a volime scanner... and it was used another 12 after I left, and was still operational, if a little slow starting...(no oil), when it was traded on a Ridgers, which has had acres of service, and still causes problems.... so go figure.....

Regards, John (ellll)

**handyczech** · 10-06-2009, 05:36 AM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

The H-300 was the culmination of the series. Original H's (4digit serial numbers) were awful to maintain and were troublesome as they came out of the factory. There was a second series of H's (above serial #15000 I believe) that were a little better.

The 300 series incorporated all the improvements, the dual dry scanner, embossed drawbars, and the FR series rhythm unit. I always thought the 300 looked better, sounded better, and were built better. They are the HEAVIEST of anything that Hammond built, with the possible exception of the D-152.

These were all designed for 10-series cabinets. Andy recently answered a similar question regarding the Leslie kit.

There are extensive threads of how to modify and repair these. If the price and condition are not too bad, I think these are fun to have. Plus the Mediterranean cabinet, which some may find gross, is actually pretty well done.


Larry

**Bobmann** · 10-06-2009, 03:52 PM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Some of this has already been said, so bear with me as I ramble on here.
As said, I also believe that trouble with the H series is not as extreme as one may think...especially for models after serial 15000.
The 300 series has all the improvements made to those earlier H models.
The only major difference between the later 100and 300 series is thatthe 300 series has a built-in Auto Vari rhythm unit. Unless you really like the sound of imitation brush, cymbal, etc., this is something that youmay do without. I have an H-395, and have actually never used this feature...but that's just me. There are a few internal differences as well; I don't thing it necessary to elaborate here.
As far as serviceability...no one will ever accuse these babies of being easy to work on...but you should not have to dive into it too often. The combination of tube/solid state components may be challenging to troubleshoot (it is for me!) but nothing that cannot be overcome.
The external speaker connector on the H's amp was designed for the series 10 Tone Cabinet.
No internal Leslie.
There is a connector kit, 8240, that will allow a plug-in connection to a Leslie 122. The kit combines the A and B channel, so some of the stereo effect is lost. The kit also allows a separate connection to a Series 10.
If you can excuse the organist's lack of skill and listen to the sound, I have a couple videos on YouTube of my H395/Leslie 122 and an H-112/Leslie 122. It may be enough to let you get an idea of what to expect. Search "bobmann107" on Youtube.
No one will ever accuse an H of sounding like a B-3...but there is an awful lot of personal taste and pre-concieved expectation involved here.
I have an A-101 in the shop right next to an H-262 and an H-112...with an H-395 in the house.Having the ability of having allof themrunning and playing them one after the other, I think the H-262 sounds the best to my old ears...but again,that's just me.
Bottom line is for you to keep an open mind, and listen. You will either like it or not.
The H has many other great features that others lack...extra tonewheels and 2 more drawbars on the upper, one more on the lower, the bass will rattle the windows, etc,...search archives for more information.
One last thing...you will need help moving it. She weighs 400+ lbs.

**kkeys** · 10-06-2009, 10:49 PM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

No built in Leslie or a Leslie socket. A kit would be required to connect an external cabinet. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Two scanners: one for vibrato and other for slow celeste. Two channels for dual output scanner.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Instrumental preset percussion voices are harmonically derived. <o:p></o:p>
Such as: Chimes, Glock, Guitar, Marimba Xylophone, Banjo and Harp Sustain.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Auto Rhythm unit appears to be an Ace-Tone Rhythm Ace.<o:p></o:p>

**andyg** · 10-07-2009, 12:33 AM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

It's almost all been said. Skip. Reliability? Experience tells me that they're not brilliant, especially early ones. Never seen an H3xx in the flesh, don't think we had any in the UK but it seems logical that they'd have improved things as much as they could by then.

Playing experiences? I like the sound they make. The extra drawbars on manuals and pedals give more variety of sound and the vibrato/celeste is about as leslie-like as you'll get in a tonewheel. It's not a B3 sound and I doubt if Hammond ever meant it to be so. Add a 122 (or contrive to add a different leslie) and I think it's got some grunt and shout.

Plenty of threads on here already about H's, as you know. If it's at the right price and you're happy to do any work on it, I'd snap it up and then look for that 122.

Andy

**Guest** · 10-07-2009, 09:06 AM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Hi!! all,I do agree with Andy, and,


I want to elaborate for this thread originator, my own feelings for use, now that the issue of service has already been spoken of.


The stereo effect is very good, according to designers and some users..., providing a more realistic effect for classical music usage. After all, the Leslie line of gear spoke of being the "pipe voice"... , and that will require a stereo feel as well to really be successful .. and also, why I have been so adamant about adding to my own Leslie units... hopefully in the end...several. 

Additional speakers, allowed to operate on the two main channels instead of mixed, WILL provide a better classical music effect..; It's the way our church unit was set up, by a team from a large supplier in a nearby city ., (that I spoke of playing for many years.., above)... , and I can assure you it was very "pipe like" and serious classical in effect.. I played a few recitals on the set-up with surprising success for a Hammond doing serious music... But that's again..., for Classical...


Now, for the much more familiar use in .. : Rock, Gospel, Jazz etc...and other popular genre's , it is thought by most to be LESS desirable... However I know one performer in particular who really appreciates the H series for Favorites, Old favorites, sacred, populer 50's - 60's .... and a few who have mentioned it on this forum, agree...So it remains a personal thing. Try it, you will like it.

Regards, John (ellll)

**skippy** · 10-08-2009, 05:25 AM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Thank you all for your valuable advice and comments. Thank you Bobmann for the YouTube demo. It is a lovely sounding instrument. It is still sitting @ 99 Cents with one bid and 8 days to go. Anything can happen. With my luck I will miss out "again" [:'(]. 

Wish my luck,

Skippy

**bossbandbob** · 10-21-2009, 01:41 PM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Hi Skip, 

I just came across your thread through a Google search (a search here completely missed it) and what may be a H-101,one state over from me for free that "doesn't work."

As it is an early model, not sure I want to pursue it due to possible reliability issues.

Here's what one can sound like-not bad! I'm sure the 222 has a lot to do with that though:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOx-K7siOmE

The guy with the H has not answered my last email about what "doesn't work."yet and had no phone # listed.



How did you make out with the one on ebay that you were pursuing? 

Bob


<hr align="left" size="1" width="25%">

**skippy** · 10-21-2009, 05:47 PM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Hi Bob,

It sold for AU$610. Far more than what I was prepared to pay for it. The Sydney organ market provides a decent offering of used organs. But also a large number of prospective buyers. Unfortunately this drives the prices up. You can pick up organs in country OZ for a fraction of the Sydney prices. A Hammond R124in need of servicesold last night for AU$212.50. My max bid was $210 [:'(].

Never mind, I will own a tone wheel one day. I am notkeen on another console anyway. A spinet will do me. Good luck with getting YOURS.

Cheers,

Skippy

**kkeys** · 10-21-2009, 09:17 PM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Hi Skippy,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Nice to hear there is still interest in organs in your country!!. Was out to a local Roland dealership just over a month ago that had Atelier Organs showing on their website. I’d hoped to try an AT-900 out but alas there was not one organ on the floor at all!. Was told they may bring in a smaller one for Christmas. The person that I talked to knew all the staff in the store where mine came from. “They sold a lot of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hammonds</st1:place></st1:City>”, he told me.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Certainly thought of the forum members here who still have an appreciation of these instruments. Recognized a former Kawai person and thought about Andy.<o:p></o:p>

**skippy** · 10-22-2009, 12:05 AM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Hi Keith,

Only flagships and icons attract some interest.To name a few:Yamaha D85, Lowrey C500, Hammond tone wheels and even Elegantes etc. The rest often ends up with zero bids. 

The Elegante gave up its ghost a few weeks ago.The flute channelproduceda lowvolume distorted sound. Done all the obvious checking and cleaning. Butto no avail.It turned out to bea bad connector to the flute amp board. One or more of the ribbon cable slide on contacts justdid not have enough tension on the board contacts. All good again and sounding terrific with the Leslie 720 as a partner.How is your baby behaving?

Cheers,

Skippy

**kkeys** · 10-23-2009, 09:09 PM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?


Hi Skippy,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
First harmonic percussion is out. I don’t use it but miss the attack it adds to the piano. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Another problem with mine….no change in sound when I press the Echo on pushbutton!!. [:D]Had a chance on a 715 Leslie but it is a pretty loud piece of furniture.
<o:p></o:p>
Your 720 must sound great!!! <o:p></o:p>

**johnny b3** · 10-24-2009, 12:29 AM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

Just don't give up...it is not uncommon to sit in front of the classified ads for weeks or months to find the right instrument. (took me 4 years to find the right leslie in my area at a reasonable price).


Save up and by a pre-solid state model, IMHO. A console (A,B,C,D,E...), M/2/3 series, L/M 100 series...these are the prized pieces which will deliver the goods. Many here favor the T series, with the H not far behind.


Good things come to those who wait!

**andyg** · 10-24-2009, 01:25 AM

Re: What about the Hammond H-Series?

[quote user="skippy"]

Hi Bob,

It sold for AU$610. Far more than what I was prepared to pay for it.
The Sydney organ market provides a decent offering of used organs. But
also a large number of prospective buyers. Unfortunately this drives
the prices up. You can pick up organs in country OZ for a fraction of
the Sydney prices. A Hammond R124in need of servicesold last night
for AU$212.50. My max bid was $210 [:'(].

Never mind, I will own a tone wheel one day. I am notkeen on
another console anyway. A spinet will do me. Good luck with getting
YOURS.

Cheers,

Skippy

[/quote]

I can't get my head around your Aussie
prices, Skip. Clubbing together and buying a container load to ship
from the US to Oz is almost seeming like a viable project!

As for
a spinet, how about joining the 'T' club. Experience its unique crisp
sound 'as it is', or go Brendon's route and transform it to a screaming
rock beast. Needs a leslie on it, but alas neither of yours is a direct plug in. You could make up a simple kit to drop the 720 on the end, though.

Andy

Welcome To The Organ Forum

Have You Forgotten Your Password or Username?

How To Recover Your Username and Password

Forum Top Banner Ad

Ebay Classic organs

Announcement

What about the Hammond H-Series?

What about the Hammond H-Series?

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment