Advice on Hammond C2 & JR-20 Cabinet

[JCarr196]

Hello Organ Forum!

I'm here to seek the advice of the wise denizens of the Organ-community. (I'm very glad to see there's not only a place like this, but what appears to be a thriving community!)

A quick summary: my Grandfather sadly passed away last year, and I've been tasked with sorting through many of the things he's collected over his long life. Of which, includes an old Hammond C2 paired with a JR-20 Tone Cabinet. I have fond memories of hearing him play this thing when I was very little, though it's been well over ten years since I last heard it (which corresponds with the oil/maintenance log I found in the bench, which spans from 1950 to Nov. 2011). With that said, I know virtually nothing about these instruments. I'm not sure how to get it working (and afraid to try, for fear of damaging something), and even if I did, no one else in my family could play it.

It appears complete and in good shape, other than some cosmetics (surface scratches, though not bad). Located in Sanford, NC, for those curious.

So it comes to this: I'd like to find a new home for this piece, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I know the C2 is a desirable model, but I don't know what it's actually worth, and if there's enough demand to try and sell. I'd like to get something for it, but it's of even more importance to me to find someone who has an appreciation for these.

If anyone here has insight, on the machine or what I should do about it (or even an interest in it yourself), please let me know! My family is trying clear things out, and I'd hate to resort to throwing it on Facebook. (I'll NOT allow it to be tossed on the curb, as I've heard a couple mentioned having seen before, so no worries there. 😉)

Thanks, and I hope this is of interest to someone!

~ James Carroll

[Larason2]

It definitely is worth something. It's not as desirable as a B3, but still a very fine organ, and the speaker it comes with is also quite desirable, though not as desirable as some other models. Reverb says that the price can even be as high as $2000 US currently, which doesn't surprise me, as it can sound just like a B3 with a percussion add on. Sometimes their prices are a bit high, but this is a pretty desirable model. I wouldn't take anything less than $700 for it, and a fair starting price would be closer to $1500 I would say. The JR20 is less valuable, but it should still fetch $250 to $500 depending on condition and function. I'd love to take them off your hands, but North Carolina is a bit far for me!

[JCarr196]

It definitely is worth something... I'd love to take them off your hands, but North Carolina is a bit far for me!

Thank you, Larason2!
Hmm, I didn't even think to check a site like Reverb... 🤔 That's good info, though, thanks!

As far as I can tell, it's all completely original, and while not mint it seems in exceptionally good condition. I expect it would run without much effort from an experienced hand. In fact, just reading some of the threads here has me tempted to try servicing it myself. (I would LOVE to hear this thing play one good time before saying goodbye!)

Haha, yeah, it's a little bit of a haul from Canada. Well, if you happen upon anyone who might looking for one in this neck-of-the-woods, be sure to point 'em in my direction! 😁

[JCarr196]

Some additional pictures of the JR-20 tone cabinet, that didn't fit in the original post (was limited to 5 images).

~ James

[JCarr196]

Just an update, for anyone curious:
Armed with a little more knowledge, I took a shot at listing these on Facebook. I was surprised how quickly I received responses, and actually sold the organ and cabinet together for $1800 just two days after listing. 😯 While I really would have liked to keep it, I am pleased that it went to someone who I believe will value it and give it the care it needs.

Thanks again!

[KeithB]

Thanks for letting us know. It's good to get information on the market for these organs.