Comparing A-100, B3 and C3 Hammond Organs

[@jameilsanders1492]

The B3 C3 and A100 are all the same instruments they just have different cabinets. What makes the difference in sound is the leslie

[@KingD-light]

I love them all , i love how crisp the B3 and C3 sounds. 👍🏽

[@kevink1696]

They all sound amazing but mostly because of the way RANDOLPH plays!!

[@olutobicole9568]

Kevin K I want a Hammond b3 to buy. Affordable one

[@Daring2Win]

Are you kidding? The organs did all of the work; all Randolph did was sit there and look pretty... Okay, let's agree it is 50/50; you can't do most of that on a Steinway. 😋

[@1snakemanvrod]

Dude is smoking that hammond…what a great talent..! Blessed by listening!

[@railcar123]

Randall making those organs ROCK!

[@jimdartouzos2127]

Nice demonstration Randolph..and Jim...Love the sound of the Hammond family of organs...would love to own one.

[@U2BER2012]

The sound of the B3's send chills down my spine!

[@dragongoff]

Thank you for comparing the three models and uploading this video. Marvelous playing! Would be interesting hearing all three organs through the same one Leslie.

[@4hammonds672]

the B 3 sounded more richer in tone , but maybe is because it was connected to a leslie 122 wich is a bigger leslie than the 145 which in this case has a much more bass speaker housing, and is because the organist used a different drawbar settings in the other 2 different organs. the C3 also was played on a non 122 leslie or 145. maybe the B 3 has a red cap tone generator too!

[@Daring2Win]

Camera is also closer to the 122. I have a 145 and two 22H/R's and hear 0 difference.

[@chrisgarrison1323]

Or because the microphone was on the other side of the room.

[@brotherjaiyse5900]

Which

[@ctmale1956]

they all should have been played through the same Leslie speaker.....just saying.

[@johngraves9720]

Yes!

[@theone5404]

Indeed!

[@mikealfordky]

B3 SOUNDS THE BEST ON MY END! I LOVE IT.

[@Daring2Win]

As a C-2 and A-102 owner... Them's fighting words! 😋

[@stantheman260]

It is interesting how each instrument has its own slightly distinct sound.

[@KeyboardExchange]

So very true! Many reasons for this........ Different years of manufacture used slightly different parts, Leslie speakers are sometimes unique in their tone, the position in the room, and of course how the draw bars and other features are set. I am certain there are additional reasons and hereby request additional replies from others with experience. Thanks for this GREAT comment! I should add that being able to offer a good selection of restored Hammonds in one place is very helpful to the musician who is looking for that special sound. Musicians and church representatives have the ability to listen and test many instruments until they find the instrument that "speaks" to them and that they can "feel". Our showroom is often called Hammond Heaven by many who come into our store. More information at www.keyboardexchange.com PLUS many KZbin videos!

[@nytom4info]

Thank you Jim for all the INFO and the DVD you made just for me! I look forward to buying my "last" B3 from you! Lol keep up the good work....

[@johanbrand8601]

All three identical, And STUNNING instruments.

[@theone5404]

C3 is richer.

[@johanbrand8601]

@@theone5404 how?

[@theone5404]

@@johanbrand8601 sitting here listening with my beats on and it catches everything. The C3 was the richest, for lack of better terms. Not tons richer, but definitely richer.

[@johanbrand8601]

@@theone5404 the Leslie model plays a role.

[@Daring2Win]

A true head to head would be Tonewheel vs the Concorde. The tone of those things shocked the heck out of me!

[@hammondvoodoo9555]

You guys have some killer-C3s in your store. It's the 2nd video where a C3 is the best sounding organ for me, which by coincidence is also my favorite Hammond organ. Nice playing by the way ;-)!

[@Daring2Win]

Yeah, the C/D/RT body style used to be my favorite... Until it came time to move... Now I play harmonica...

[@TheOrganiston9th]

@@Daring2Win Brilliant... El LoWELL!

[@baconbyte4065]

They are 3 series Hammonds. No comparison between them since they have the same internals. Yes I am aware of the A-100's speakers. But the preamps are all the same. The real comparison is across models from the ones that came before the 3 series to the ones that came after. They can all sound the same but some will have more or less features and even drawbars than a 3 series.

[@GenesisTheProducer]

I felt the presence of God from the B3 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@NorfolkSouthern-xt3xx]

If I only had the funds! Man I miss the A-100 I had! I'd take an earlier 1962 A-100(non-foam organ),with a Leslie 145,..I like the short Leslie speakers! Money is just a bit tight right now! It would be wonderful to have a restored A-100(with the AO-28 tube preamp),and Leslie 145 speaker!

[@PlayBetterJazz]

They're all the same organ people! Just different cabinet styles!

[@Daring2Win]

That stupid debate will rage on until the sun burns out

[@robertsampson6450]

All those organs have the same guts.

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Different speakers.. Not a direct comparison but lovely playing and all three sound superb.

[@jonathanw8461]

Even though he’s just talking about the organ I can just about feel the presence of the Lord hahahaha!

[@Daring2Win]

🤣 the power of gospel organ! Have you seen the talk music video to Obama's inauguration by Lawrence Lyles? It's classic.

[@captainkeyboard1007]

So can I, too, and this is no laughing thing. It is the real thing.

[@johnw2026]

Where is this place? I wanna get there and visit one day...

[@lexieluthor]

Amazing organs BUT having a Randolph to make those keys talk sure helps !!!!!

[@KeyboardExchange]

I could not agree more! From the first day I met Randolph I knew he might be the perfect guy to one day take over my role and duties at Keyboard Exchange International! He is now a junior partner ( stockholder would be more accurate) and as promised to him, his equity stake will grow over time. We are looking for other hard working people who share our love of the Hammond organ and Leslie speaker and also have skills to add to their hard work. This is what it will take to keep these wonderful instruments working well long into the future. Our plan is to do as much as we can to "Help Save the Hammond B3's", and we need the right people to come to us and help in this effort. People living far away from us are also able to help in this effort. Additionally, we are seeking people who love these instruments to help us find good homes for the instruments after we have restored them. More details at www.keyboardexchange.com

[@ju34edwards]

I believe all 3 had their own unique character. I liked all 3

[@jamesmcintyre4480]

That guy has that COGIC sound

[@michaelrocker9000]

They all sounded great but i was hoping to hear some percussion on the upper row of keys. I used to work for a man who owned 6 B3's and 12 122 Leslie's. He rented them out for many years and some of them were used on some of the best live recordings made in the NYC Tri State area.. If you watch the original Woodstock movie from 1969 that was his B3 on the stage. His B3's were at the Fillmore East Carnegie Hall Madison Sq Garden Lincoln Center and a whole bunch more. I don't like the newer solid state ones. I like the sound that the tubes produce.

[@KeyboardExchange]

Hello Michael, if you listen to some of our other 700 plus videos you will find many examples of percussion being used and demonstrated. Please listen and comment. If fact, we have a special method to double the power of the percussion effect that we refer to as "turbo boosting" . It is really quite amazing! Hope you like it. The New York and LA areas were great locations to be in the B3 rental business~! I have known people who prospered in that business. It can still be a great business in some locations if great instruments are offered. We have sold B3's to back line companies and have quite a few in stock at this time. More information at keyboardexchange.com

[@lundsweden]

The B3 is a legend for a reason!

[@MScott-fc9wf]

They are all basically the same. They sound different because they have a different Leslie

[@robertobrito73]

Hi Jim!Congratulations for amazing vídeo and RAndolph´s performance! He is a fantastic music man!Coul you give some tips about a Hammond family? Im in Brasil and get some money to truy to bought a Hammond. I got a little trouble.I just can bought froma seller next to Florida cause I got a friend there who is backing to Brasil and may bring a one Hammond to me in his container.Could you tell me the deifference about A-100 , B3 and M3?

[@hoaonemail9842]

please help me! Is the hammond C3 suitable for church? I'm asking because i cannot find any video that church organist uses the C3. There are only in the styles of jazz/blues/ rock....

[@johanbrand8601]

C3 works best for church yes

[@alexandera8607]

B3 is the best. C3's sound is 'brushed', smooth, is more like other organs' and synthesizers'.

[@armstronglance]

Hammond Heaven!!!!!! Play em brother!! Love em all!

[@SilfredoSerrano]

I actually like the middle one best. Smoother. The first one sounded jarring.

[@troyjulian1223]

Hi jem what's the name of the keyboard that's on top of the Hammond organ

[@capersbull8819]

Just curious: my style and background is what I’d call a more classical, main-line Protestant liturgical type of sound. Can anyone recommend a video, CD,or other format that demonstrates more of that type music, perhaps using very slow Leslie? Thank you!

[@KeyboardExchange]

I think it would be great to be able to have videos of this type on our channel! What are the chances of you and perhaps a few of your friends come to our store and make these types of videos with us? We are located in Sanford Florida. These videos need to be made so please contact me if you are willing and able.

[@philsterthephilster]

If I was in that room I would have thought I'd died and gone to Hamnod Heaven

[@jorgeandrade20]

A-102, not A-100, yes they're from the same model family, but the A-100 has a different body style and wood choices. Randolf does mention the correct model number in the video though.

[@KeyboardExchange]

Thank you for commenting. You are correct that the model numbers do clarify the wood cabinet style. Models include A-100, A-102, A-143, A-105 with the A-105 being the most deluxe with wood folding tops and finished back

[@jamesmctier1891]

The a102 sounded the best tho

[@johnmackey5150]

James McTier I agree

[@hammondboybennett1580]

The B3 sounds a lot warmer and fuller

[@tomsamps]

Belated thanks for this.

[@lld401]

So out of all these 3 models and speaker what is considered the flagship model?

[@KeyboardExchange]

Hammond B3 with Leslie 122 is the "Flagship" model as you mention

[@jamesmctier1891]

That leslie makes the difference, they are all actually the same organ

[@bigcubeparity6809]

@Lyles music hey what do the red myler caps do to the organ

[@kevinswilcox]

What vintage Leslie model is plug and play with a Hammond C3?

[@mzwilliams3093]

Lawd he making them organs talk!!!!

[@captainkeyboard1007]

Since those organs have familiar electrical and electrical parts, their sounds are similar. Those organs are great enough to perform well in an apartment, even in a high-rise building.

[@KeyboardExchange]

Correct AND we can also install a head phone jack so you can play at all hours without upsetting your neighbors! We can also install a Leslie effect to hear when using headphones!

[@captainkeyboard1007]

@@KeyboardExchange Thank you for tapping or typing to me.

[@carterandthecapitals]

Absolute fire playing!!

[@kevinpaige4902]

The B 3 has a deeper, richer tone than the other 2.

[@kennethjames7571]

+Dreambro1 You can do the same thing with the a102 and the c3 just depends on your drawbar settings and your leslie .

[@kimrunic5874]

+Kevin Paige "The B 3 has a deeper, richer tone than the other 2" - rubbish

[@isaiahangelo]

Personally I’ve felt from experience that the A-100 has more deep growl and a more finely piercing high end than the B3 or C3. The C3 tends to have more mid frequency to it. The B3 is the all around warm, resonant sound we all know.

[@TheBlackbelair]

John Lord from Deep Purple modified his Hammond to growl and roar like none others.

[@peytongrant]

He plays great! Would have loved a percussion comparison. Does the a even have perc?

[@adrianyelnats6084]

Peyton Grant yes sir they do.

[@cpcattin]

I SEE THE LIGHT !! I SEE THE LIGHT !!

[@pauldiaz4273]

My opinion the B3 has a screaming sound that doesn’t compare to others!

[@Eric-steele]

U can still hear that unique b3 rock organ that the other two are just falling short of all great instruments but and only a Leslie can do them justice

[@nsilentnite]

That a102 has more bite

[@patricknaughton8330]

thank you for the time so well done

[@nsilentnite]

They all have the same guts

[@chicolove8098]

The c3 is so warm

[@Melokat]

This is so Cool!

[@SonnyCider]

C3 sounded best to me, I play an A-100 w/ 145 Leslie

[@richardjackson5670]

They all sound similar. Just depends on where your settings are at! Will somebody please explain to me why the B3 is so cherished?

[@kennethperry8863]

Richard Jackson They all have the same engine. Where I personally find subtle difference for ME is certain adjustments of Horn/treble spin speed and the same for the bottom Rotor. There's also a very distinct difference in Leslie Speakers. Window location (top&bottom) and mid (side) windows. Lastly there's a great tonal difference in a New or old Rotor and power difference in 8 & 16 ohm chasis. They're all 40 amps with exception of today's beefed up 600 watts like Joey DeFrancesco has. C2s & B2s lack the power punch of the 3 series vyt still soumd good....just my opinion having played them all for 54 years and still playing...live it love it love it.

[@billgreen4362]

I have never owned one or had the opportunity to play one more than a touch. I am thinking of trying to acquire the Greg Allman sound, also used in much classic rock, not so much the country church sound, which seems to be the direction of the talented player demonstrating. I am not sure what I need to inquire of because the B3 demo sounded like church, and I had thought that the B3 was specifically rock. (I should add, I love a high church cathedral sound - Roland 700 has a great one - but not so much the direction being displayed here.)

[@olutobicole9568]

I want a Hammond b3 to buy. Affordable one

[@IndigoJo]

trace Cole I looked at their website. All in five figures! No such thing as an affordable Hammond.

[@hectoromares8444]

Suena lindo ...La verdad

[@BluesCat1980]

What exactly does "for purposes of modesty" mean when it comes to women playing the organ mean?

[@nickjbarr]

+Robert Sampson The back of a C3 has a solid wood panel (unlike the B3 which is open). So if the organist is female and wearing a dress, any 'immodest' view as she plays is obstructed. In fact on a C3 this is often called a 'modesty panel.'

[@mackgrout]

Robert Sampson wow, was wondering the same thing. Thanks for teaching me something today!

[@Knightrider1951]

Most of the B-3's I have played in chruches or other public venues have had a fabric skirt around 3 sides of the bottom of the organ. LOL

[@IndigoJo]

There's a song by Billy Bragg that features a lady called Cara Tivey on the Hammond C3 (can't remember which one, but it's on the Workers' Playtime album) and I always used to wonder what the difference between a B3 and a C3 was, and only just found out that it's the same instrument only designed for ladies. I wonder if she knew. Unlike ladies' versions of other products, the C3 is cheaper probably just because it lacks the 'iconic' B3 name!

[@stevecarter8810]

Yeah it's got nothing to do with being a woman and everything to do with wearing a dress :)

[@jeremysherrod737]

Does anyone know what song he's playing

[@servulofabio]

Its sounds like a haven!

[@antoniog.4821]

To me they all sound alike but the b3 sounds more richer..

[@vadimmartynyuk]

A100 is my favorite

[@KeyboardExchange]

Many will agree with you. Not everyone understands that when the B3, C3, A-100 were being manufactured, the same basic parts were used in ALL these models! Therefore it is possible to get a great sound from all of them. For organists who play classical music but also like to play jazz, the models RT-3 and D-152 share the same internal parts as a B3, C3 or A-100 with some extra features to allow for the 32 bass pedals. B3, C3 and A-100 have 25 bass pedals and most pipe organs, along with the Hammond RT-3 and D-152 have 32 bass pedals.

[@stevekirby7333]

Curious as to why church organists tend to stay on the lower manual and use the upper manual for complex bass parts, while jazz players do it the opposite way.

[@KeyboardExchange]

It is a choice but one theory is that those who use left hand bass lines, like to have the percussion added into the tone of their bass line. Percussion is ONLY available on the upper manual. Perhaps other can comment for additional input which will be appreciated!

[@GetArtistAI]

Man what's Randolph's last name??? Y'all are talking about organs but we've gotta peep this dude's music releases...

[@kennethjames7571]

The A102 sounded way better!!

[@drummermancarter9409]

kenneth james C-3

[@sjtait6919]

B3 is brighter and has a cleaner, newer sound. A C3 is darker and has an older sound to it

[@KeyboardExchange]

Thanks for listening and for your comment!

[@austinbaskerville9858]

A102 sounded way better than that C3

[@Knightrider1951]

With the exception of the self-contained speakers of the A-100 series the B-3, C-3 and the 6 models of the A-100 are all the same organ electronically. The only difference in the 6 models of the A-100 series is the wooden cabinet. I own an A-102 with a Leslie 251 attached to it and play a C-3 in my church. My A-102 sounds better because of it's Leslie, the C-3 only has a Hammond PR-40 tone cabinet on it.

[@JB-zu5qj]

The b3 sounds richer to me

[@Steven-zg5bq]

b3 sounded like junk, a102 and c3 rocked!

[@Knightrider1951]

The B-3, C-3, and A-100 series Hammonds are all the same organ electronically. The only difference is the self-contained speakers of the A-100's. Put a Leslie on any of them and they will sound almost identical. BTW I learned to play on a Hammond M--1 spinet and I now own an A-102. I also play a C-3 in my chruch.

[@getulioprates]

I guess that is because b3 is in the middle of the room. The others sound punchier.

[@klemens33331]

Great, A100 sounds, yet...after being spoiled by the grate Klaus Wunderlich I find it hard to relate to American organ music styles...

[@KeyboardExchange]

There are so many different styles for playing Hammond organ. The organs we sell are used extensively in Gospel churches like COGIC COG and similar where the organ is used to add "punctuation" to the preaching. This style could be referred to American and the same could be said for Jazz music. There are just so many styles of music where a Hammond B3 or C3 model Hammond can be used effectively and even primarily. Originally the Hammond was made and offered to churches to be a quality instrument that was also more affordable than a pipe organ. The more we learn about these fine instruments, the more interesting the history becomes.

[@analogsynthplayer]

@3:37 Van Morrison Tupelo Honey

[@phinestro]

B3 means butter 3 times more then other model 😩🚀

[@davidj.duvall9254]

I know you are the expert's but the A 102 is different

[@KeyboardExchange]

There are some technical differences...example the preamp is wired differently to allow for the fact that it is mounted upside down compared with a B3 or C3. What other differences are you referencing? Internal speakers? Reverb? Other? Thank you for commenting and please reply.

[@Madison-ut6bz]

the other amazing thing this video was made somewhere close to heaven @3:15 - 3:25

[@ju34edwards]

Madison z

[@frankmoore5413]

#74 has sweet tone, Now the B-3 is Nice!!!!, C-# has a nice sounds as well!!! The A-102 , #74.

[@Artistimberlake]

where's this place??

[@hammondboy89]

Sanford fl keyboard exchange international

[@drsauce4347]

The A100 definitely cannot sound like the B3 or C3. It does not have the "guts" that the other two have. I have had a B3 since 1968 and still have it. Will never part with it.

[@KeyboardExchange]

Enjoy your B3! We often say that owning or buying a restored Hammond B3 can be one of the best musical investments one can make. Sounds like you might agree.....Thanks for commenting!

[@Reyeyawn]

2:20

[@murrelljohnson5526]

Play that organ

[@freddy7700]

I can recognise no difference.....

[@swifftouch]

close your eyes then.

[@Knightrider1951]

By the way, the A, B, and C models are electronically the same organ, with the exception of the A-100's having self contained speakers.

[@johanbrand8601]

They sounded the same.

[@Royalorgans]

One thing is missing, He forgot to add the Hammond H-100 and E-100 in with the A-100, B3,C3