Hammond organ

Hammond B2 (closeup)

Hammond C2 pedalboards (Supernatural)

Hammond-drawbars-plain

Hammond preset keys

Hammond B-3 START-RUN

Hammond Organ is a type of electric organ invented by Laurens Hammond and John M. Hanert in the early 1930s. The instrument was originally designed and marketed for use in homes, churches, and small venues as a lower-cost alternative to the pipe organ. However, it quickly became popular across various music genres, notably in jazz, blues, rock, and gospel music. The Hammond organ is known for its distinctive sound, which is produced by an electromechanical mechanism that generates tones through the rotation of a series of metal discs, called tonewheels, near electromagnetic pickups.

History

The first model, the Hammond Model A, was released in 1935. The instrument's unique sound and affordability contributed to its rapid adoption by musicians. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Hammond B3 model, in combination with the Leslie speaker, which adds a distinctive vibrato and amplification to the sound, became the most famous and sought-after version of the instrument. The Hammond organ's ability to produce a wide range of sounds from soft and mellow to loud and percussive made it a versatile instrument in various musical settings.

Design and Function

The Hammond organ generates sound by creating an electric current from rotating a series of metal tonewheels close to electromagnetic pickups. Each tonewheel corresponds to a different musical note, which, when combined through the organ's drawbars, allows for the creation of a vast array of sounds. The drawbars adjust the volume of individual harmonics, thus shaping the instrument's overall sound.

The organ is played using one or two keyboards, known as manuals, and a set of pedals for bass notes. The inclusion of percussion effects, vibrato, and chorus enriches its sound further. The Leslie speaker, an external rotating speaker system, is often used with the Hammond organ to enhance its sound with a unique tremolo effect.

Impact on Music

The Hammond organ has had a significant impact on music since its introduction. In jazz, artists like Jimmy Smith and Richard "Groove" Holmes revolutionized the use of the Hammond organ, making it a central instrument in jazz ensembles. In rock, bands such as Procol Harum, Deep Purple, and The Allman Brothers Band incorporated the Hammond organ into their music, contributing to the instrument's popularity and versatility.

Legacy

Despite the advent of digital synthesizers and keyboards, the Hammond organ remains a sought-after instrument for its warm, rich sound and dynamic expression. Modern musicians and bands continue to use both vintage Hammond organs and contemporary digital models that emulate the classic Hammond sound.

See Also

• Electronic keyboard
• Synthesizer
• Music of the United States
• Leslie speaker