D-100 locked with no key!!

[Guest]

Greetings All!</P>


I recently acquired a very nice Hammond D-100.But nowI have two issues......( I felt like Murphy's Law was in full force while I was bringing this thing home last night). </P>


While in transit....don't ask me HOW this happened....the top locked itself and now I can't get it open. I have no key for it. Any suggestions besides calling a locksmith and paying the housecall charges??</P>


Also, I accidentally smashed one of the smaller tubes in the back when I was re-hanging the back panel. Does anyone know how much this type of tube costs to replace? Also, can I still play the organ without the one tube??</P>


I think I'm getting a rough start with this instrument, but hopefully we'll get everything back in working order soon. </P>
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[toasterDude]

Re: D-100 locked with no key!!

Hi and congrats on the D100, pretty much the Cadillac of Hammonds. If you're sure the top has locked itself and hasn't just jammed somehow, you can get reproduction keys from any number of online sources. I've had 100% positive experiences with Bill at bborgan.com, and especially Rick at tonewheelgeneral.com. Either of them would be sure to be able to fix you up with a replacement tube, too; max cost might be $20-$25 if Murphy really got you and it was a rare tube but most likely less. But do take a minute and pry around (gently!) to see if maybe the top has just gotten stuck. This happened to me last weekend with a Yamaha organ I moved... somehow the jostling on the road shifted something and the roll-top jammed. But I was able to free it up with a little persistence. Anyway good luck with it! TD

[Guest]

Re: D-100 locked with no key!!

Most tubes are cheap. Ya need to know what it is. Tubes usually have their type written on the glass, it will be probably be at least four numbers and letters, beginning with a number (eg 12AU6) If it is smashed this number may be difficult to read :-) On the amplifier side or somewhere nearby will be a diagram showing the tubes as they are located on the amp looking at it from the top. Usually circles representing the tube with the numbers written inside or below. You will be able to identify your tube there. If there is an old school electronics repair shop that has been around for the last 50 years in your area, they may have the tube. If not there will be plenty on ebay. The manufacturer is not all that important, the numbers and letters are. Depending on the tube it may be possible to substitute. The internet will be able to tell which tubes can be swapped for which. Finally your organ may or may not work without the tube, it all depends on which tube. If it does work some function surely won't. No worries though, tubes are still pretty easy to find.