Hammond SK-Pro - First impressions

[@KyleWhitlock-Music]

Love your presentation!! Your on camera demeanor is absolutely side splitting!! Laughing my Ass off over here across the pond. Awesome my friend

[@googlepigs7027]

Gosh ! You're a great keyboard reviewer. (And player, too.) The Best *by far* l've seen. Thanks for that. ⚡👍

[@davideviolante73]

The presentation is awesome, I mean no doubts about that, I have been watching so many videos of yours, and I am one of your thousand of followers 🙂. I might be for sure, off topic, with the following question but I am unable to find a video, that talks about best setup, for home Organ players. I think there is many out there like me playing keyboards and recording themselves and uploading videos on KZbin on their own channel. I am struggling on what would be the best Organ setup on SK Pro or SK1/2 sound wise, best keyboard Amp to adapt (not everyone can afford Leslie) perhaps a Neo Vent with and Keyboard Amp setup (I use Roland on L. Mono connected to my SK1 and also same setup on SK pro). Perhaps also an Organ grinder (Lounsberry?) and all that for a live capture over a condenser mic. (Is that even a good way to do it) I mean why not, but looks like that the best way to record yourself is to go through your DAW? Is really that the only and best way to record yourself? In other words I want a setup that in a way (in small) is similar to what you would do on a live small venue and playing to hear the best possible organ sound.

[@nickfoleyuk]

There's a lot of variables there so its not a straight answer from me. If you have any recent Hammond product you are on to a good start as far as home recording is concerned. I'm not sure that you need an open mic and a leslie particularly in a small and economic setup. If you have a Mac you can use Garage Band for free to record in to, via a dual input Interface (you get what you pay for here but Behringer do a starter one UMC22 for £40 - you will end up upgrading it at some point but it will get you started). I'm not up to speed on the starter DAW products of late. When I first started I used Audacity on a free license but not sure that exists anymore. If you are a student or a teacher you can lookout for education discounts with licenses too. So then you are stereo IN of your Organ and stereo IN into your DAW. Have a listen, what do you think? Is the Leslie okay? You can adapt it a little in the Hammond, same with Overdrive. The Lounsberry pedal is interesting but the closer your Hammond gets to a synth the less effective it is - if you know what I mean. The Tall and Fat is interesting but the boost element wont go anywhere unless you have a pre amp valve somewhere in the chain to crush! For me, I think the Leslie could leave you wanting more. A second hand Neo Ventilator (any version both great) is the way to go then I think. £180 if you are prepared to wait and lurk on ebay. That will add some realistic Overdrive, the leslie and theres a switch for the Cabinet effect too. From then on I think you will have a decent home recording setup. HTH mate

[@davideviolante73]

@@nickfoleyuk Great info, I'm not a student, I'm probably as old as you are or close to that lol :-) I got into Organ Sound and Keyboard thanks to Marine from the Rock academy just about 3 years ago. I always played piano in the past for 15 years. , I saw the interview between you and her, nice stuff there. Yes, the issue with recording into the DAW is that I am not too handy with that, but probably is the best way as you are right and many already suggested the same. What I have done so far was to just record myself using Shure Mic. I did the same thing in a live session in Amsterdam Rock venue, just placed the mic close to the Amp and that's it, recorded straight into my laptop, and just used that pure sound recorded together with a video recording done using some video recording software. Money and investing isn't a huge concern, not that I can easily afford everything, but I can get there slowly and with some patient.

[@davideviolante73]

@@nickfoleyuk Forgot to mention I am already running a Zoom UAC-2 USB-3 it is a decent one surely better than Behringer

[@j0rdan18]

Love the way you’ve presented this. No marketing nonsense, just going through and saying what you think in the moment - one of the best overviews I’ve seen, thanks. That wurly and clav does sound pretty nice; seems they’ve really upped their game when it comes to extra voices. Could certainly see this passing the “1-keyboard test” for 99% of the bands I play in. You got any more videos with this planned?

[@nickfoleyuk]

Hi Jordon sorry for the late reply. I plan for a couple yes. The more manufacturers send me evaluation units the more I’ll do. Thanks!

[@davideviolante73]

Ok just one last question, since I have finally fixed all the recording issues, bought good pair of monitors, and recording on pro tools. Now, I am about to possibly upgrade to SK-Pro from my SK1. Is there, in your opinion, besides some cool features seen on this video, any really big improvements in terms of Hammond B3 organ sound quality? Is SK-Pro really that better from that point of view? Upgrading means selling SK1 and adding at least €1300 on top so...would be perhaps better saving some money and invest on NEO Vent? Since Leslie emulation is one of my concern, I know I am undecided. I wanted also to buy an original Hammond Exp pedal since I am using a cheap one atm from Behringer, so the dilemma is investing on extras on current SK1 and keep it, or is really worth it to upgrade to SK-Pro and buy extras at some later stage? My question to you specifically is whether I have to make this upgrading step or not to have an SK-Pro that in all aspects is really superior to the SK1

[@nickfoleyuk]

For me... NEO Vent for the win. I dont think the sound improvement was big enough to justify the expense. What does everyone else think? If you are recording at home you could get a Leslie 145 and a pair of Sure SM57's for £1,300 and that would sound awsome.... (just sayin' ;-) )

[@davideviolante73]

@@nickfoleyuk Yes you right I am with you

[@stevec.1802]

an excellent all rounder when only one keyboard will work for your gig. this is truly a contender to consider. 🎧🎹

[@Senopatix]

Thanks for the great first impression review! I've been wondering, though, does Sk PRO have built in The Doors' VOX Continental organ sound as well?

[@nickfoleyuk]

I think so but would have to check. This organ was given to me for two weeks by Hammond UK so I don’t have it to check now. The XK5 has one so I would imagine the SK does too

[@Senopatix]

@@nickfoleyuk Ok Nick, thanks for the prompt response, really appreciate it! 😀👍

[@nickfoleyuk]

“In addition to the great Drawbar sounds, the SK PRO also models the Italian, British and Japanese transistorized Combo Organs which have come back into style in today’s music. The player can also call upon a full range of Classical Pipe Organ Voices, and for the first time in any modern keyboard a range of Theatre Pipe Organ Voices is now included.”

[@Senopatix]

@@nickfoleyuk Thanks for the additional info, Nick! 👍

[@B3burner]

Like your Jon Lord pics on the back wall.

[@ryanpkelleher]

This is my kind of review. Much play and the talk I care about hearing. Look forward to hear you review the SKX Pro soon. Do you have a donation link or that sort of thing?

[@KimKeyboardKimFokken]

I will want to play my Ferrofish B4000+ along with my Hammond SK Pro 61. Now I chose the 61 key as hammond organs have 61 keys both top and bottom and also my Korg M1 is 61 where my roland A-37 is a 76 key midi controller only keyboard. Ferrofish has the Hammond sounds and effects with the drawbars including the Leslie. It is a midi driven organ device.. With the Korg M1 I now have the Korg M1VST software which has a vast selection of programs and combis and effects, same platform as the Korg M1 keyboard but easier to navigate.

[@JuliusParker-v6q]

I’m be buying Hammond sk pro 61 key digital keyboard/organ engine hopefully by February 2024 before or after my birthday

[@johningram2153]

That's a great photo from the stage at the beginning of the video. I've seen it before, but I don't know what band it is, or when it's from.

[@nickfoleyuk]

It’s my band The Quik Beats

[@johningram2153]

@@nickfoleyuk spectacular photo!

[@stanley5394]

Anyone… Is the Sk’s keybed a completely smooth waterfall-type, or is there a small but perceptible lip at the edge?

[@Mundproductionfunkhaus]

Do you have the waterfall keybed

[@AnnelieJansson-t3w]

Could you not always compare the C3 vibrato between the instrument you are testing and your Hammond C3, please?

[@B3burner]

“How much Jon Lord do you get for your money?” !!!!🤣!!!! Hilarious!

[@hjorleifuringason2778]

Must say I´m quite impressed, still curious if you have tried out the competition, e.g the Yamaha YC61 and of course, the Nord Electro? I am quite convinced that the Hammond has the best Hammond sound though...

[@nickfoleyuk]

I’ve not tried the Yamaha. What do others think about it?

[@jeffreystringer]

@@nickfoleyuk YC organ sounds are pretty good and very customizable. But the piano keys make it hard to do proper organ jam with the ornamentals and such.

[@nickyates9820]

@@nickfoleyuk IMO the Yamaha YC-61 organ engine is so-so in today's standard. Yes you can customize it and do a lot of good stuff with that keyboard - but as far as the sound quality goes, there are plenty of hammond clones out there that can top it. The somewhat stripped down XK-5 sound engine in the SK-pro I can confidently say is far superior to it.

[@MarkFagan.]

I’ve heard some beautiful Choir voices on these Hammonds… has this organ have them?

[@nickfoleyuk]

I go through the voices on another video but I think so yes

[@moogy77]

A wonderful fast go through, but I'm disappointed that when you got to the synth, and talked about how much your a fan of overdrive, you didn't turn the overdrive all the way up!

[@lmoore3rd]

Nord has fire engine red and Hammond counters with British Racing green 😁

[@JoelBouchillon]

Why you only connected in Mono?

[@nickfoleyuk]

Most gigs are in mono so from a live point of view it made sense. Later in the series the Leslie 145 comes out so the comparison is closer I think. Maybe not?

[@moogy77]

Because if it sounds good in mono, it will sound GREAT in stereo!

[@Mundproductionfunkhaus]

How is the key Ed

[@B3burner]

Nick, does the 61 key version have any less features because the keyboard is not as wide?

[@nickfoleyuk]

I think they are the same to be honest

[@B3burner]

@@nickfoleyuk Ok thanks.

[@jamesmabugu7899]

Does this board sample?

[@nickfoleyuk]

Nope.

[@jamesmabugu7899]

@@nickfoleyuk 🤦🏾‍♂️thanks for the response

[@Mundproductionfunkhaus]

Are the waterfall keys the same as th sk5

[@nickfoleyuk]

No. They are slightly different as I recall.

[@Mundproductionfunkhaus]

@@nickfoleyuk are they nearly as good

[@nickfoleyuk]

For me yes. Nearly. The action is different. Positive but different. It didn’t help me having a C3 underneath it for direct comparison. The keybed is good in my opinion

[@Mundproductionfunkhaus]

you Thank you

[@Mundproductionfunkhaus]

@@nickfoleyuk did you ever compare the to the YC61

[@louiscornale5667]

Great but how about wooly bully watch it now 😮

[@NormanPeterson]

Slow Down!! Otherwise nice demo..

[@adriverschoor4975]

Momosound......I will not listen any further. Shame on you.

[@B3burner]

What’s Momosound mean? Just curious.

[@walterworrall]

Momosound is so in right now.

[@alexspiterigingell915]

Thanks for great vid. Hoe do organ sounds and keybed compare to Crumar MOJO 61?