Hammond organ without a Leslie cabinet?

[Guest]

I have for a time been interesten in buying a Hammond organ, but a Leslie cabinet is awfully expensive.</P>


So my question is, is it possible to use a Hammond organ without a lesie cabinet, using a normal amp, or a PA system?</P>


Thanks.</P>

[toasterDude]

Re: Hammond organ without a Leslie cabinet?



Sure it is - in fact some of the more famous Hammond tracks you will have heard are done like this. For example Jon Lord of Deep Purple would run a line out from his C3 to a Marshall stack for that monster organ sound on tracks like "Highway Star." Most Hammonds aren't fitted with a line out jack, though, so you would need to add one on. Fortunately it's very simple - there are plenty of schematics/instructions online if you look around a little. The nice thing about the line outsetup is that it would give you the option of running through a Leslie simulator - much more economical (and easy to move around!) than a real Leslie.</P>


Another option, probably less desirable but still more thrifty, would be a "self-contained" model Hammond that has a power amp and speakers built right into the console. I have heard of guys miking the internal speakers with some success and running that into the PA. Of course the mike is going to be in an awkward position for you the player at that point! But really the main reason for the Leslie isn't so much the amplification, as it is the animation that the Leslie provides. And the good news is: not all Leslies are created equal. Sure, the 122s and 147s of the world are going to go for $1000 plus, but there are lots of other models that can give you great sound for much less money. However, which Leslies might work for youwill depend somewhat on what style of music you're playing. Post back if you have further questions.</P>


TD</P>