Connecting Leslie 760 and PR-40 to Hammond A102 + Cabinet Placement

[Steven Anderson]

Greetings all!

I recently purchased a hammond A-102, PR-40 Tone Cabinet, and Leslie 760 (+Leslie combo preamp II) for 1400 bucks.

Definitely not a "steal", but all in pristine condition, so I jumped on it. Now I have to turn my attention to actually getting all this connected! This will be for personal use in my basement, and I would like to hook up both the 760 and the PR-40. Also would like some advice regarding how to place the cabinets.

-What are my best options for hooking up both of these simultaneously? (The PR-40 I have the standard cable for already, but all I have for the 760 is the Leslie Combo preamp II). Do A100's have 2 speaker hookups or just 1?

-I have heard that Hammonds don't sound great using the Leslie Combo Preamps. Is this true? Is a Dr. Fishsticks 9 pin connector a better option (pretty cheap) or do I need to try to get a "real" connector kit (not cheap and not actually sure if I can find one!)?

-What are some options for placing the cabinets around the room? I may not have the wall space to put on on either side of the organ. Is it essential that they are placed symmetrically, or could one be right beside the organ, and the other at a 90 degree angle just behind the bench? This is just for personal use, so my only concern is the sound for me while sitting at the organ.

Thanks!

[Sweet Pete]

Congrats on your aquisitions!
It's all old stuff now and will need some attention most likely.
Leslie upper motors can get on the wrong side(bass end) of the Hammond A102 matching transformers,
so most folks place the Leslie on the 'treble side' to avoid unwanted noises.
Plus,the bass when working properly on a PR40 is nicer to hear from the left,so PR40 to the left,760 to the right when sitting in playing position.
Not enough wall room? 760 to the right and PR40 behind you then,second best choice IMO.

Leslie kits are expensive,if you have the skills to build your own,the 9 pin connector for a 760 is as simple as it gets.
You want to switch between A100,PR40,and 760 so an MEE switch (Main/Ensemble/Echo) in the traditional halfmoon style is your best solution,IMO.
A100 amps can be summed or seperate,depends,yes there are two.Most people avoid sending reverb to the Leslie,preferring the A100/PR40 for that.
Have never resorted to a 'Dr Fishsticks' purchase,people who have seem to be happy with the results?

I use Combo Preamp pedals to rebuild motor stacks,part of my service jig.In the actual audio chain? Never!
Take your time and study the posts on here,if you have an average ability and some patience you'll get it all working by yourself,and be better prepared
to deal with issues as they crop up,and they do......happy Hammonding!

[bnelson218]

I definitely consider $1400 a steal for what you got. Congratulations! When it comes right down to it, the organ's amp and speakers essentially duplicate the PR40's, so that can be placed some distance from the organ, while keeping the Leslie close on either the left of right side. I wouldn't even consider the combo preamp in the mix as it is unnecessary. And since you've made quite a nice acquisition, which if well maintained, will only increase in value, I would go ahead and spend the money for an authentic Leslie kit. That way you know it's done right and will only add worth to the organ. Just my humble opinion, of course. Anyway, I'm quite jealous of your find. Again, congratulations!

[Sweet Pete]

Either way,home made or bought the kit numbers you should be looking for are 9500,9503 both of which hang a tone cab/760 combo off a -2/-3 organ,
or a 9510 which hangs an A100 off a 760 sans tone cab.Provisions to add a tone cab to this kit would be easier to modify than the others?
This info is readily available at Fish Organs in San Diego,George has a Leslie hookup kit folder on his website.'Parent Directory' near the top of the page
lists organs and kits that match! Schematics of these kits are also on there.....
Then it's off to Ebay....CL etc.

Prices vary by region,apparently 1400 is a good deal in Ohio.
It's worth however much you enjoy playing it!

[Steven Anderson]

Awesome advice, thanks so much to all! Very helpful.