Hammond S6 Chord Organ Demonstration and Blue Jay Way story

[@danthemankhan]

Marvelous instrument. Of course you can do it all with a laptop now but there isn't anything like the pedals and the switches of the real thing.

[@danthemankhan]

Good strong voice, good for broadcasting. Sounded like George Martin when it first came on and I wasn't looking at the screen.

[@bassplayer10]

There are three of these in Des Moines that are being given away for free . I’m going to grab one because of this video . Ty

[@ericmulkey]

This is twice as good as all the other S6 videos on youtube. I’m blown away by the awesomeness of your channel!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Thank you Eric! We've got plenty more lined up to showcase our collection so stay tuned.

[@rosselmanuelyajurefraco]

where can i get a copy hammond organ s6 can someone help me

[@billgrabbe9992]

One of the most fun demos I've seen on KZbin. There's one on sale cheap in my area and it's really hard to restrain myself.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

We don't think you'll regret it if you go for it!

[@ronnyluzardo2010]

Yo quiero uno

[@ChonkTek]

I just picked one of these up and am about to fully restore it. It still has the original power tubes with a date code of 1958. There are some interesting and pleasing tonal textures going on that would be very usable for modern music production.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Good luck with the restoration. We'd love to know how you get on.

[@ChonkTek]

@@VintageKeysStudio Thanks! I'll post vids. :)

[@deanevangelista6359]

“Knee swell.” That happens to me from time to time.

[@florabee9283]

I have one of these I obtained for the act of fetching it. One of the generators's notes is sick and gives a broken sound, but I have not wanted to repair it until I can determine what is at fault in order to hopefully replicate the sick note intentionally, because it's actually quite amazing sounding!

[@enidsnarb]

Love these little Essexes !!!! I used to take one on tour and run it through valve oscillators I built into 100 watt stacks and opening for Crash Worship , it annihilated ! I`ve had 4 , I have 2 left . My first one had the electromagnetic 15 inch speaker with all large envelope pre amp " valves " an earlier one I suppose ! I love this channel ! Thank You for doing it!!!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Thanks very much Enid - that sounds like an incredible set up! :)

[@alejandrovillalba1533]

excellent instrument. I really like how it is used in the tropical music of western Venezuela. Groups like the "Gran Caribe" have created a pleasant rhythm to listen to and dance to

[@lenlo9818]

Some years ago, I saw a very old video where someone was playing an s6 and was playing blueberry hills, but I never found it again.

[@theoliviaarchives4794]

Really cool. I just learned about these after seeing a different chord organ on Facebook marketplace. Thanks for sharing.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

You are very welcome!

[@jamesvalentino7024]

Interesting and audibly superb

[@johnsonmonsen]

Huge thanks for showing us this feature packed organ! Envelope settings, buttons everywhere, unison function, selectable bassnote in chords ... there is a lot of music coming up the 30 tubes. The chord section reminds me at modern sample launchpads/grid controllers. Seems to be that concept is not that new and still was there (kind of) more than 60 years ago. The accent bar is helpful to not got into coordination problems when hitting a tiny chord button repeatedly. In deed a very special piece of music history. All the best :-)!

[@seanperrydj]

I’m a huge fan can’t wait to go to England and try to get a tour . I’ve got 15 organs now and have owned all kinds of synthes . I love your euro organ with harp sound !!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Cheers Sean yes that sounds great!

[@waltscott5]

Wow, that things amazing

[@AB.BABY.]

I picked up one of these a while ago - this is a great demo, thank you

[@bodeine454]

I was just reading in a forum about Star Trek the Original Series from the 1960s and one theory on how some of the sounds for that series was made, especially the transporter sounds, was made at least partially with one of these organs. After listening to one here I can sure see how that could be. Very interesting

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Wow I didn’t know that! I know the doors in the enterprise were two sheets of paper swishing together

[@bodeine454]

@@VintageKeysStudio 2 sheets of paper? That seems odd, it sounds more like someone wiping their hand across a piece of glass with Windex on it. Lol

[@kerrsydotes]

Loved this. Just moved one for guy who got it free on Craigslist He gave me a short demo and mentioned Blue Jay Way. I was thinking you could use another key boardist let alone a third hand.

[@stevencohen5116]

Thanks! Good to learn new, and wonderfully interesting things!!!!

[@pl443]

The very organ as played by Paul Tesluk of Johnny and the Hurricanes. Lovely sound.

[@pauljames5914]

I've had S6 and S1 I have an F 100 extravoice now . Same principle.

[@mootbooxle]

great video! excellent presentation of this unique instrument!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Many thanks!

[@pureinspiration9140]

Very interesting.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

I think so too!

[@effectivesolutionsinc.3831]

Hearing you play has brought back many fond memories, thanks for sharing it. I have an S6 that my Dad purchased around 1956. I used to play it when I was a kid. Unfortunately it hasn't worked for many years, but I just don't have the heart to get rid of it. I wonder what the chances are that I could get it repaired. I even have the original manual that contains a schematic. All those 12AX7's ;-)

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Hi Steve - send us a private message as we may be able to help with an actual repair or advice on where to get it repaired.

[@echodelta9]

I fixed one 10 to 20 years ago for a cloistered nunnery. There is one of those power resistors with taps (3or4) in a crimped metal bar riveted to the chassis. One section was open, it's in the B+ supply hence no sound. Start there they often fail. 300voltsDC, caution. We junked one years ago but I saved the chord box and want to put MIDI in it.

[@ianflurrance8438]

Just found the channel man and it’s incredible!! Keep up the amazing work!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Thank you very much Ian! We are so pleased you like our videos. We are hoping to have a new one ready next week.

[@bensellersaudio]

Amazing demo! Makes me really want to pick up one although I dont think I can make it sing quite like you ha!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Thank you! Give it a go you might be surprised!

[@michaelturner4457]

Because it's got valve(vacuum bulb) tone generators, does it make deranged THX sounds when it warms up, like the Philicorda?

[@VintageKeysStudio]

You know, I haven’t tried this - I will and will report back!

[@schwammweiler]

Das ist Großartig.

[@georgeparkins777]

I want one. I have the tonewheel spinet made at the same time, the M3, and it's the next best thing to a full sized Hammond, but this has such a distinct sound.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

It’s brilliant - I only bothered getting one because of the George Harrison connection, but was really surprised at how lovely and unique it sounded

[@georgeparkins777]

@@VintageKeysStudio I'm so curious... Are the valves in it as rare and niche as they would seem to be? Did you have to spend four figures to get it in a working state?

[@VintageKeysStudio]

@@georgeparkins777 no, I think they are fairly common valves - it cost very little to replace the power supply capacitors (£20 ish) - i was lucky with this one as it worked fine before I serviced it, but just had a few dangerous and fraying cables and wasn’t earthed

[@georgeparkins777]

@@VintageKeysStudio I'm going to be honest, I have never bothered to earth anything that wasn't already earthed. I suppose in a studio setting that would be an insurance liability.

[@georgeparkins777]

@@VintageKeysStudio I'm going to be honest, I have never bothered to earth anything that wasn't already earthed. I suppose in a studio setting that would be an insurance liability.

[@sonijam]

Thank you so much for making this wonderful, informative video on the S6! I love the Hammond chord organ and this is by far the best video of it on KZbin.

[@karijohartmann2649]

I jusy tuned in, so I'm wondering if we're going to be regaled with some "Red River Rock" which is the largest claim to fame of the S6 over here. Used to have the LP, the jacket of which proudly dispkays that organ. Another oddball that i like is the very obscure Hammons Extra Voice... Which just didn't catch on very much... I think it was because of the name. And also because it was just a very weird keyboard for the people of that time. The monophonic follower in it though was pretty epic and extremely forward looking... It was no Novachord, mind you... The extra voice was a great organ, but the Novachord could have been brought by aliens!

[@russellthompson8983]

I came across this video not too long ago, and it made me regret not purchasing a low priced S-6 chord organ years ago, at a thrift store. But just recently, I was told of someone locally selling one. It turned out to be an S-112, not an S-6. I never heard of the S-112, but as far as I can tell, the only differences are, the case styling is a bit different, it has a normal organ volume pedal and on/off toggle switch, instead of the "dislocated shoulder", and it has an additional knob that adds reverb. I bought it and took it home.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Amazing! Lovely that it has reverb in too!

[@natesaar3034]

I wonder if this was the organ actual organ sound on baby your a rich man? Some of your runs on this thing really remind me of that sound

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Thanks yes it does sound very similar / It was actually a Clavioline on that song - check out our video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHyTnmSjpMqqnaM

[@rossr6616]

Love it!

[@dogguitarbluesman]

Wow!

[@playingthehakencontinuumwi2789]

Nice!!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Cheers Rob! Hope you are well. Loving your continuum videos.

[@Jerkcurb1]

I love this channel !!!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Thank you!

[@picardbs]

The Frankenstein of organs 😳

[@howardmaryon]

Pronounced “Fronkensteen”, thank you, Eegor.

[@pieceworkstudios]

Man you got the coolest stuff! Love that lil' hambone. Such a cool sound. I could just barely hear it leaking a hum in F 😁. They tell you they're alive with their ambient noises and quirks 👍👍. Also what is that little gem on top left there? Oh I see it's a Univox 🥰

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Glad you like it!

[@GrimVoxTech]

Wow! I had no idea they made such feature rich instruments in those times. It sound impossible to make those features with only 30 valves. For the polyphonic organ surely you would need one valve per tone. And there seems to be more than 30 keys! And if it is not fully polyphonic there has to be a microprocessor that assigns an oscillator for the last x pressed notes. Or maybe there is some switch wizardry that prioritizes some keys over the others when pressing too may keys at the same time? Really good demo as well!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Thank you! The system uses the valves and I think divides each set of 12 tones down in octaves

[@davyboy888]

Isn't that the Hammond Chord Organ that Paul Tesluk used on all the Johnny and The Hurricanes tracks ?

[@MyNikolaas]

It seems to be housed in the identical cabinet as the M3

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Even Accordionists can play it.

[@Inivican]

This is very cool

[@number7785]

ur so awesome man

[@Iced_Cake]

Hello Mr Tony Pail, I have recently acquired an S6 and some of the notes are stuck on. I have looked through the organ oscillators and cant seem to find the problem. Did this happen with yours and if so, how did you fix it? I also greatly enjoyed this video. It was incredibly informative!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Thank you @Iced_Cake. Our S6 worked when we got it. Have you checked the keyboard bus bar connections?

[@Iced_Cake]

I haven’t, that is likely the issue. Thank you very much!

[@ronaldstambaugh7216]

I've never seen one of those. The cabinet looks like an M model cabinet from the same era.

[@georgeparkins777]

It is however somewhat narrower and about half the weight. I had to have help to push the M3 up the stairs, but I expect when I get my S6 home I can just lift it up step by step. They both came out in ‘55 and were offered with the same accessories.

[@user-mz6qu3hz6m]

Do you have a Hammond F-100 Extravoice? It replaced the S6. It has a full keyboard and a pedal synthesizer instead of the chord synthesizer. It has a movable split point for the mono synth. It is one of my favorite instruments.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Not heard of that! Must check it out

[@user-mz6qu3hz6m]

@@VintageKeysStudio behold! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qae2gqSlappnr68feature=shared

[@hifijohn]

Have one as well as an m3.

[@stonkpuppets6393]

There is one available in proper working order on FB market place for $100. Should I pick it up?

[@tnmrvc]

Would you be kind and please put a spade connector on that earth wire thanks

[@gplunk]

Fank you!

[@unrulysoldier2140]

Hello again. Is a T200 a thing worth nabbing ?

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Yes i would say so. Not for loads of money though

[@grillsandaxlegrease3578]

Sounds like one the Zombies may have used.

[@LindseyMusgrave]

Is the S6 model the only model that looks like that with only one row of ivories? I have one and don’t know where to find the model number or serial number on it.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

I am not sure to be honest. The serial number is probably either on the back, or inside on the amp

[@NathanMaas]

I am about to start fixing one and the first step is that darned power cable. Would you happen to know the model number you got (or even have a link)? I'd be forever indebted to you.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Hi - you mean the model of the power cable? I just used a spare IEC lead that I cut down and fitted

[@williambock1821]

Oh my GOD I’m STILL cringing from the “elbow tendon snapping back in” 😱 Any chance you know what kind of output tubes this one has? I like it!!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Nothing like a good tale of tendons to soothe the spirit. will have to check the organ later this week

[@prairiebassman]

I serviced organs for 30 years. This one has a pair of 6V6 tubes (or 6W6's will work just as well).

[@McSynth]

Tony Pail - I guess your choice of echo could be (wait for it) a BBD device ! Took me ages to think that one out. Sorry.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Haha

[@_-_Michael_-_]

Wasn’t this used by Johnny and the Hurricanes on Red River Rock?

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Not able to confirm, sorry

[@MFisher7346]

They certainly used a Hammond Chord Organ, and this one sounds pretty close, but I don't think anyone alive now would know the exact model.

[@MFisher7346]

I've found a book: Classic Keys: Keyboard Sounds That Launched Rock Music By Alan S. Lenhoff and David E. Robertson which says that it definitely was.

[@robertveal7187]

You can give it a farfisa sound.

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

I read where someone turned on the Blue Jay Way organ, and it started smoking. So I don't know if they tried to restore it or just left it.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Maybe this was it? (Unlikely…)

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

@@VintageKeysStudio if I had a smoking organ, I'd see a doctor right away!

[@VintageKeysStudio]

@@jeffthevideoguy23 ‘do you smoke after intercourse? - I don’t know, I’ve never looked’

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

@@VintageKeysStudio 😅😅😅

[@ronnyluzardo2010]

Good night friend greetings from Venezuela! friend how much is the price of the hammond s133 and hammond s6?

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Greetings! They vary hugely depending on the condition they are in. Try looking on eBay or Reverb.com

[@ronnyluzardo2010]

@@VintageKeysStudio Thank you very much friend, I am interested in a s133 since it is a little better, and again thank you very much, greetings from Venezuela!

[@shanedigby]

Awesome playing dude. Man I love all these old pianos. You should try get your hands on a mellotron and optigan.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJiUdZJth8-Uq9E

[@VintageKeysStudio]

We have an optigan here though sadly not a mellotron yet. It's high up on our wish list!

[@howardmaryon]

Tony Pale likes to play little snatches of things that you sort of recognise from somewhere, then busts out a bangin’ fugue without warning....

[@adeeponionbrah]

I believe ABBA may have used one of those.

[@wileyparker2429]

Tabs have small tonal variety. More variety in chord section.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Cool

[@Ccyawn123]

Cool

[@willdatsun]

I bet you could play Ghost Town on that

[@VintageKeysStudio]

I just might!

[@revtonynewnham]

Another fascinating instrument. Do you ever have open days? Look forward to new videos. This looks rather more versatile than the Hohner reed chord organ that a church was given when I was organist many years ago.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Cheers Tony, yes we do have open days now and then - if you follow us on Facebook or Instagram @vintagekeysstudio we announce things on there - will probably be a while until we have another one... but we will

[@revtonynewnham]

@@VintageKeysStudio Thanks.

[@0tf850]

I'll pay for a full version of the idea you had at 8:45

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Watch this space...!

[@jmbmusico8218]

Saludos profesor Tony Pail. Soy del estado Zulia una parte de Venezuela . Donde usamos en órgano Hammond S6 en una agrupación que tiene 36 años. Usando el órgano Hammond de una manera que transforma el sonido logrando un estilo. Mi respeto y administración para con usted. Me gustaría hacerle llegar el material de vídeo para que usted lo viera. Feliz noche reciba de mi parte mi respeto y administración.

[@jacobkallen]

12:00 whats that song name

[@VintageKeysStudio]

It’s one of my library tunes called ‘Far In’

[@ryanphillips5412]

Found an s4 version at my local goodwill for $25. Good deal?

[@audiodood]

I’d say so

[@adaltonvieirarodrigues9070]

1:03

[@BerkelBoy]

Bro I hears Crocodile Rock when he showed the brass sound

[@pinedaredsilver8935]

toca perijanera

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

The Essex Chord organ was only available in a White Stiletto finish

[@rickyseibert1707]

tony pail....HA!!!

[@DandyDon1]

Grounding an organ like this is a bad idea, as there is some residual AC leakage to all common metal parts from the aging power B+ power transformer. An AC ground wire, will most likely produce sparks and/or smoke. Better to use a GFIC.

[@VintageKeysStudio]

Cheers - all of our old valve gear (that has a power transformer) has been earthed and runs smoothly, and nothing has caught fire in fifteen years of doing so. Everything runs through an RCD here so it is all quite safe. :)

[@DandyDon1]

@@VintageKeysStudio I had briefly forgotten that in the UK the AC connection plugs contain fuses, which makes a big difference compared to the USA. The problem with the grounding of vacuum tube equipment in the USA poses a problem that a typical circuit breaker is set to trip at 15 to 20 Amperes AC. If someone was to touch a an instrument such as the metal parts of a vintage Hammond organ per-say, up to 20 Amps of current could flow through a human body before the circuit breaker tripped. With a GFCI, attached directly to said equipment it trips at a AC current level of 4 to 6 Milli-amps. The only real cure for a AC powers transformer in vintage equipment which has leakage to it's case is to replace it with a suitable match, or have it re-manufactured (rewound). For instance the HICO transformers which Hammond used up until around the 1960s were potted in wax. The later transformers were potted in tar. The later tar potted power transformer in the Hammond B3/C3 was also undersized for the job, and can run blistering hot after several hours of idle time. The transformers Don Leslie used in his amplifiers were not potted in wax. The later types which I think started in the 1960s were potted in tar but used only in transistor based amplification tone cabinets. TMI, I know.... ;)

[@DandyDon1]

A piece of equipment which is much more thorough in testing for a "Hot" chassis, instead of using a Multi-meter would be the B&K 1655A Isolated AC Power Supply/Leakage Tester. Unfortunately a 230/240VAC version does not seem to be available.

[@DandyDon1]

www.bkprecision.com/products/power-supplies/1655A-150v-3a-ac-power-supply.html

[@ChonkTek]

@@DandyDon1 I suppose a GFCI outlet would come in handy when testing an organ being restored, but they do unfortunately kill tone compared to higher end receptacles. I can attest to the 50s PTs being wax potted and sometimes problematic. In a Les Paul Jr. amplifier (GA5) from 1955, I measured not only a hot running PT (even with cathode bias resistors and plate resistors at proper values), but wax was boiling and dripping out onto the cabinet below! I was seeing a slight short between one of the windings and another. I replaced it with another 50s wax empregnated PT and all was fine and could be run for 6 hours before getting more than warm. Thanks for the info about GGCI.

[@boilinabag]

we used to have one in our studio. we sold it for $300. i would like to have it back. and a clavoline.

[@dickydoes]

Blimey! Dust your chords, man! Lol