Why does my 1961 B3 not sound like an earlier model B ?

[carioca100]

I love the sound of the early model Hammonds from the 1940's and early 50's. ( Ethel Smith, Wild Bill Davis and others ) .My 1961 B3 or 1959 C3 does not have that same sound. What was the difference in those early model big Hammonds?

[tpappano]

There are some differences in the configuration of the tone generator lower notes, even among different production runs of the B. Also the manual foldback and tapering schemes are different. Other things on a B are a tremulant and chorus generator. Vibrato came a little later. You also will hear differences depending on whether the tone generators (on any model) are virgin, or have been re-capped/recalibrated. I have a BC, CV, and A100 and they all have their own sound, but all sound great 8)
edit: more potential differences if "things" have been done to the amps 8)

[handyczech]

Is there a way to describe what it is you mean? Depending on how various recordings that you like were made, it is possible that you were hearing older instruments that were recorded closer to their build date, and may be brighter than the same instrument, unrefurbished, heard today. As the usual components age, the instruments usually become somewhat duller. My BV was pretty dull and muffled sounding before recapping, when compared to some of Jackie Davis's early recordings, supposedly on a BV. You are aware that there is a limited range tone control on your organs. You should also remember that Hammond was endlessly chasing filters to kill key click, which usually resulted in diminished treble response.

[David Anderson]

There are differences in the organ models, but remember that you are also hearing recording of those organs through the recording technology of the period, not to mention a 1940s or 50s Leslie or Hammond Tone Cabinet.

[KC9UDX]

Plus professional recording engineers can really make things sound better than they do.

[delaware dave]

The first leslie to roll out was in the early 40's. Initially the leslie wasnt widely accepted and were single speed, meaning fast or stop. What are you playing your hammond through, a 2 speed leslie, a hammond tone cabinet? As mentioned earlier hammond went from tremulants to c/v circuits, hammond tone cabinets to leslie tone cabinets , a whole list of variables. Not terribly different than playing a fender guitar through a Fender amp vs. a Gibson through a Marshall amp or a pre-CBS Fender vs. a recently made one.

[enor]

Simply put: The differences outnumber the similarities. There are differences in virtually every step of the signal chain, although the signal chain itself is roughly similar if you look at the big picture.

[carioca100]

All good points and I understand there are many variables that affect the sound of the various models and years of the Hammond organ. Recordings and equipment are other things that make a difference.
I'm playing my B3 thru either a Leslie 122 or 145 and I can either go slow, stop or fast with the motors. One thing I've noticed since I recently moved, is the room itself and the position of the speaker. Are the ceilings high, is there carpet or tile, any drapes, etc. ?
We know these all affect the quality of the sound and what one person may enjoy, another may not find so appealing.

thanks for everyones response. Much to learn here.