How to move a vintage Hammond A100 (B3) and Leslie

[@simonsbuddy1806]

You make it look so easy...you've got this down...and a ONE MAN OPERATION!! Kudos to you! I love how the 4x8 plywood fits into the back of the Odyssey.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks!! I need to do a follow up video.

[@michaelrichter1465]

Idk if you'll read this but I would suggest (former stagehand and musician here, I've moved a lot of equip from PA's, staging, lighting, pianos, conveyor belts (The Tubes late 70s had dancers on conveyor belts in one part of the show) lots of Ampeg bass amp (the dreaded SVT setup) and such. Sorry didn't intend to make a You Tube resume. Anyway some nice thick moving blankets would be a cheap way to reduce road rash to your woodwork. Good job dude, you got a sweet setup for moving your rig. 👏

[@BillPfaffenberger]

This brought back 60 year old memories. I used to haul a B3 & Leslie to gigs. I used the same kind of piano trucks for the console, but the rest was by hand. I used pickup trucks & trailers to move the equipment. Your van looks ideal for the job.

[@BlondieSL]

Almost the same here. LOL I had those same dollies and annoyed that I sold them so many decades ago. Along with my Hammond... sigh... At that time, I didn't have a ramp to push it up into the van. It would take 2 of us to literally lift it into the van. Fortunately, the van I had at the time, on old 1977 GMC van and the sliding door opened up very wide. The Leslie we also loaded from the rear. It's been so long now that I can't remember the model of Leslie. But it was either a 122-A or a 142. It doesn't matter. The beast was heavy! As an older guy with back problems, if I had to move an organ, I'd buy a Viscount Legend Portable Organ. They are very light and while I've not had a chance to play one, from what I've seen, even big time pros who have compared them, side-by-side to B3s, say that they sound exactly the same. The point is, soooo much lighter to carry around. LOL As for the Leslie, again, I don't go around anymore and I don't have my B3 and Leslie, but I did build a small, portable Leslie that is very light to move around. It's not as good as the vintage, but it's ok for home stuff.

[@MFitz12]

Back in the day my dad had to load his M-3 and later B-3 into the back of a 1950's Cadillac Hearse (think the Ghostbusters Caddy). Minivans are a wonderful thing.

[@terrimontgomery4260]

This was brilliant! Would love to see your vids about taking the pieces apart and putting them back.

[@BrianHoJazz]

@@terrimontgomery4260 - good idea!

[@skipeb3]

Wow... well done. Good thing it's an A, and not a B. You're a braver man than me... And much younger...still indestructible... Hat's off to ya1

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks!!

[@phineesrobert417]

Wow this guy moved a hammond on an Honda Odyssey! This is why I need a caravan

[@tangyorange6509]

No joke the whole video I was going “no way that’s so smart.” What a great and efficient job you did here

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks! Definitely still a long process to move it in/out of the vehicle.

[@memphramagog]

There is a lock down mechanism to lock the tone generator module during transport to keep it from bouncing during transport. The generator is supported by a floating spring mechanism. Also the leslie motors are suspended in a swinging posture so when the motors change speed they are allowed to move to account for the torque transition. So they are free hanging putting them in a strained position while on their side especially the bass rotor which has little support when on it's side.

[@claudevieaul1465]

Oh man, how often I've had that exact same question... 🤣🤣🤣 And even more often that question about why I'm not using some weird red Ikea-looking keyboard "because it's much lighter" 🤣 When I bought my A100 the cabinet was in pretty bad shape, so I immediately decided to make it into 2 halves. I designed and built these housings myself (it helps to be an engineer well-versed in 3D / CAD design 😜), and took everything apart for a complete technical overhaul. The lower half houses the Tone Generator and volume control, the upper half obviously has the manuals and controls as well as the AO28 and power. That way I could bring the weight of each down to manageable by myself, and it's roughly the same as my Leslie incidentally 👍 So I can now load and unload my gorgeous beasties just on my own, and I'll only need someone else to put the top half on a stand. Usually I get told that nobody in the audience would notice the difference if I faked it. To which I always reply: "Well, I certainly *DO* " 😎🙏

[@BrianHoJazz]

Nothing like playing a real Hammond B3 and leslie. That being said, I've played a lot of horrible organs and at least with a digital organ, I pretty much know what I can expect. Also, some stages just aren't large enough for a Hammond b3! Great that you're still bringing out "the beast!"

[@darylcoutts4814]

The only thing that I would say is the 6550 tubes in the Leslie can fall out when you lay it on its side. I tend to take them out when I move it and put them back in when I get to the gig.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Smart! Knock on wood - they haven't fallen out once yet.

[@andreafox7267]

Love the way you’ve organised moving your Hammond. You’re very dedicated!

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks!

[@cellpat2686]

You have the most important tool needed: the dedication to your hobby. Doing this is never easy but being dedicated to the craft makes the effort something you don't think about.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks - yep - I am dedicated!

[@skotg406]

Finally, someone doing it right. Roll-r-Kari is the ONLY way to go!

[@searayvrsar]

To move my Hammond and Leslie and other Equipment i used a excalibur motorcycle Trailer. The backdoor opens downwards as a Ramp. It is easy to load.

[@littlebear4440]

When I played B3 (many years ago) I drove a 240Z with a custom ramp back trailer. No problem pulling, stopping was a sometime problem.

[@BrianHoJazz]

I sometimes use a Uhaul trailer. It's cheap ($20) but parking and driving can be a pain. Also, you need to strap everything in which can take awhile.

[@Keyboardhugo]

Hard Work! I remembered the Time, I used a Hammond B200 with Leslie. Was not so heavy, but heavy enough. Especially in the night, when Music is finished…

[@BrianHoJazz]

Yep - loading in is usually ok but the load out is a bear.

[@lqr824]

You make this look easier than moving my electronic rig! You've clearly got the exact right vehicle, exact right ramp, dolly and everything.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Still a long process but I’ve made it work. Stairs and parking are two wildcards that throws a wrench in a lot of moving an organ. Also try it at the END of a gig. 😅

[@garlandmusic]

Van, dollies, and ramp are part of the rig when you're playing furniture. A lot of players miss this, Brian's got it nailed!

[@garlandmusic]

@@BrianHoJazz The ramps are useful indoors, too. One of my regular load-ins has 4 or 5 steps! Usually I won't take a gig if there are more than 3 unless I have seen the venue in advance. I recently bought a Nord, though, I can play that on "stairs gigs" now. My most interesting load OUT was a few years back; the load in had stage doors, but it snowed 6" while I was on stage. I couldn't get the van into the unplowed alley for load-out, so I set the ramp up on the 3'-high stage (steep!!!) and pushed the organ onto the dance floor once all the patrons were out. Then I double-parked the van in the middle of the street, pushed the organ out the front door of the club...through a snow bank, onto a snowy street and up the ramp! Thank God Hammonds are built like tanks!

[@BrianHoJazz]

@@garlandmusic - wow snow!! Did you get a video? 😅 I definitely use the ramps for stairs inside!

[@garlandmusic]

@@BrianHoJazz I did not get video...but even if I had, it would be rated R for language and unsuitable for KZbin. ;)

[@elliottturner9029]

I got the whole rig into a Dodge Caravan (2008+). Stow-and-go is really nice since you don't have to remove the seats! Thanks Brian for helping me on my organ journey, and feel free to reach out if you are looking for a venue with an organ in the Tacoma, WA area while on tour.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Hi Elliot! Very cool. I wouldn’t mind a newer van. I used a very old caravan before the odyssey. I will reach out for sure!!

[@organrick]

That’s what I have as well, and I can still transport 2 people in the back, with the organ laying down, at least with the Lowrey Majesty I just transported. I’ve moved several organs with it, including 2 Allen organs (sadly, due to a personal circumstance, I don’t have them anymore, but one of them had big speakers along with the console, pedals, and bench), a Hammond Commodore organ, and 2 Lowrey organs, one of which I still have. One of the Lowrey organs, a Majesty, is in the back of it as we speak, and just went approximately 750 miles from Massachusetts to South Carolina.

[@bertvdlast]

You do this pretty efficient Brian but it’s still a pain in the uuuuh let’s say back. There’s nothing like a tonewheel beast of course but if i had to haul this around a lot i’d consider to get something a little lighter than 300 pounds. I’m pretty jealous of you, wish i had a beauty like an A-100!👍

[@BrianHoJazz]

I love my a100 but I also enjoy playing the viscount legend live and soul organs. Very easy to move and it fits in a small car

[@rickyseibert1707]

just had a t-222 delivered free..Bottom of the cabinet seperated and the internal leslie popped out and jammed the spin..also fried the pedals..oiled it twice and the tone wheel still screams but both sets of keys play...wish i would have watched this first !Gotta find a repair guy south of chicago.

[@BrianHoJazz]

I think there are a few repair guys in Chicago. Most everything in an organ is "fixable."

[@tumenibits569]

I really hope you never have to do an emergency stop when driving, or else that Hammond and Leslie will combine to push you through the windscreen.

[@dwgraham22]

Love the background music! All that great music sure makes it worth the effort in transporting this marvelous instrument. For the record... I do own an A100 also; however, I just bought a Yamaha reface YC Vintage Combo Organ. It's about 1/80 the size and weight of the A100.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks David! All of the background music can be found on my first cd, Organic. Apple Music, Spotify, etc.

[@BrianHoJazz]

I also have a Yamaha cp but do want a yc!

[@cristiancornejo]

Well, I disagree with removing the reverb on the A model... that's one of the ventages of having an A is a "plus ".... if you wanna make it lighter, remove all the pre amps and build it separate all the guts. in a flight small case.... and thats what i did with mine long ago,, and was great! also casters on the leslie its OK just put some rubber washers and strong fit... either way ... nothing like playing with the real deal, cheers

[@BrianHoJazz]

The only reason why I removed the reverb was because it was broken.

[@poldidak]

What would estimate your total investment to be, including organ, Leslie, van, dollies, modifications, chiropractic visits (jk)? I agree there is no substitute for the real combo. But it can’t be less expensive than buying an XK-5 system or such, right?

[@davidfulford3356]

great video. clones sound good but B3's sound alive. decided to go back to B3 and now can shop an odyssey! woohoo

[@BrianHoJazz]

Nice! I will say that the Viscount Legend Live is really a great organ.

[@houbeytmusic9802]

Amazing video

[@jimcrossley7005]

I use a 4x7 enclosed trailer (similar to U Haul) for my B3 and 2 147 Leslie’s. Roll or Kari Dollies for the B3. No ramp. Organ and Leslies fit like a glove in the trailer. Moving “the Beast” by myself since 1968 (59 years). I use a drum stool and no pedals on my gigs.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Before the band, I rented a U-Haul to connect to my small suv. It's so affordable. However, I find parking to be a chore especially in dense city environments like Oakland or San Francisco. Also, I can't drive as fast. :)

[@poldidak]

Jim Crossley, you ARE "the Beast" doing that for 59 years!

[@aguruattapiano]

amazing

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks!

[@Breakbeats92.5]

I'll never complain about having to lug my bass amp around ever again.

[@BrianHoJazz]

🤣 - Wouldn't trade playing the Hammond for anything!

[@nytom4info]

APPLES AND ORANGES!!

[@robertsampson6450]

This is why I carry around a clonewheel organ, and a much more portable Leslie.

[@BrianHoJazz]

I am endorsed by Viscount and I use their organ and Leslie’s. Nothing like a well maintained b3/leslie though!!

[@Steven-zg5bq]

nothing like the real thing!

[@BrianHoJazz]

Yep - nothing like it!!

[@androsislandrox]

I use a Lowrey LSC and load it up an 8 foot ramp up the rear of my NV 200 and the Leslie 3300 (with casters) gets sent up with that same ramp

[@BrianHoJazz]

Love those NV200 vans! Glad to hear you're still moving organs.

[@joselares9031]

Stunning job...¡¡¡ Nice work...

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks Jose! Do you move organs?

[@A3Kr0n]

It's easier if you bust it up into smaller pieces first.

[@taxicamel]

SPOILER ALERT: Just an FYI ....that's not "plywood" you're using. Only bringing it because you call it "plywood" numerous times ......and now other people, who don't know the difference, are going to be calling this material "plywood" ....when in fact it is called various "makers" names, but it is OSB ... "ORIENTED STRAND BOARD". On a positive note, the ramp mods at the side doors is excellent, and the moving IS indeed well-thought-out. .

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks for the clarification

[@phineesrobert417]

How sway!! You moved a organ on an oddessy?? This should be a commercial for honda ! Haha wow

[@BrianHoJazz]

@Honda - hook a brother up! :)

[@OneCoolBrotha83]

Thanks for the video? Can you loosen the legs from the organ to transport ?

[@iettord3124]

Back in the 80's my friend played a B3 with the Leslie ( of course) in an teen rock band. Remember carry that beast down and up the stairs 4 stories each time they went out playing. But the sound was lovely. The idol was Lord in Deep Purple.

[@bertspeggly4428]

There was a guy who would split the B-3's in half to make them easier to transport. His shop was in the same building as where I worked.

[@terrimontgomery4260]

What is your opinion of the Hammond Colonnade Organ, Model 333172? What kind of speaker would be best? Could it be moved the same way?

[@BrianHoJazz]

@@terrimontgomery4260 I’m not familiar with that model but if you can get the dolly and it’ll fit in the side door it’ll work.

[@HammondCast]

Hi Brian, what happens if you have to slam on the brakes? Do you have some way to secure the org - safe driving to gigs! Jon Hammond aka @HammondCast

[@BrianHoJazz]

I’ve since added a few straps to combat this.

[@HammondCast]

I'm glad to hear that @@BrianHoJazz! I'm an old road doggie, I've had brakes to the floor before - good you're protecting your back - sad about your removal of console and spring reverb - beautiful A-100 features, @hammondcast / Jon Hammond

[@BrianHoJazz]

@HammondCast - the spring reverb was broken. I still have it in storage and one day I will get it rebuilt. Wouldn’t mind roading a b3 but the prices are very high. Btw I’m friends w Charles McNeal!

[@phineesrobert417]

Does this apply to a C2 hammond? I’m looking to get one and it seems like it would be necessary for the methods - but I’m afraid of the width

[@BrianHoJazz]

The c2 has a bigger cabinet than an A100. Maybe I'll try to move a friend's for fun. ;)

[@BWBlues]

The Caravans with manual doors would do it but the powered doors will not pass a C or B organ. A100's still good. @@BrianHoJazz

[@Nandutecla]

Thanks a lot very usefull, and the link to purchase the ramp !!!!!

[@BrianHoJazz]

Sure thing! If you need more help, let me know.

[@Nandutecla]

@@BrianHoJazz Thank you very much !!

[@madmanmoon4038]

Do you have any tips on loading and securing one in a truck? I have an opportunity to pick up a Hammond M-100, which will be my first organ. I don’t have a nice van to hold it so I’m trying to figure out how to deal with transporting it (about 2 hrs away). Suggestions would be appreciated! Will likely be using a friend’s pickup truck.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Never tried using a truck. It's probably very doable with the organ dollys. Just need a friend or two to make sure you can load it into the truck.

[@joekaplowitz2719]

Nice video, hows your lower back! For many years I moved an A100 and Leslie in a Chevy Astro cargo van. No windows. Same plywood on the floor. This is the way we do this when the other band mates disappear after the gig. Good luck with all you do!

[@BrianHoJazz]

Thanks! My lower back is ok but as you can see I always wear a brace to protect myself.

[@gospelsoulman]

Why they need for plywood???

[@aydenmcfly1362]

@@gospelsoulman he states that it makes rolling the a-100 in a ton easier also it probably helps protect his flooring from all the heavy stuff and consistently loading and unloading such equipment

[@jenntek.101]

someone needs to rescue my porta-B, A100, Tone Generator and my Leslie.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Larry Young! The original is in 3/4.

[@ProgRockKeys]

I have a 2014 Honda Odyssey. Hmmm. Looking at a c3 and Leslie out of state.I wonder if they would fit like that. Your A100 organ looked really, really close on clearance

[@BrianHoJazz]

The C3 might be a tough squeeze. Try measuring!

[@ProgRockKeys]

@@BrianHoJazzThere are grab handles on the side door opening, C3 won’t fit that way. I did manage to lay it on its back, through rear door. Was too tall to stand up going in rear.

[@BrianHoJazz]

@@ProgRockKeysThanks for letting me know. A few years ago, someone asked me if I wanted to buy their C3 and I said no. I would need another garage! :)

[@marcopolistena1960]

TU SI CHE AMI LA MUSICA .... QUI A ROMA IN ITALIA CI SONO RIMASTI SOLO DEI VIZIATI CHE SUONANO CON MINI TASTIERE .... BASI MUSICALI UN BRANCO DI VIZIATI. IO SONO DEL 1960 NOI NEL 75 80 90 GIRAVAMO CON QUINTALI DI PESO DA TRASPORTARE. SUDATI AMANTI DELLA MUSICA E DEL CUORE.

[@ericprince2865]

Explain the Leslie rattle if wheels are on it?

[@James_Bowie]

Yep, I've never heard that said before. Plenty of Leslie have casters on them.

[@parkerwho8278]

i use a toyota town ase

[@tcrosslinho5565]

Where do you get the dollies from please?

[@rolfjohansen5376]

I rather switch to playing triangle

[@BrianHoJazz]

ha! Not me. :)

[@garyswanmusic]

Nice job but who told you that there are no issues about placing the Leslie on the side? Oil?

[@BrianHoJazz]

My tech (at the time) Bob Schleicher.

[@SuccessfulM.D.]

@@BrianHoJazz What size are your ramps?

[@wmrg1057]

You forgot to load the cables 😅

[@BrianHoJazz]

It's in the bench! :)

[@TruckerCletus]

Im using a Mercedes Sprinter to move my organ around.

[@BrianHoJazz]

Love those sprinter vans!

[@TruckerCletus]

@@BrianHoJazz the best!!! ♥️♥️

[@BarryWarne]

how do you deal with venue stairs? Always the barrier for me. Also: parking on a hill adds an extra challenge? also: what is the music? Is that one of your songs? And where can we find?

[@BrianHoJazz]

Hi Barry. I have music on Apple Music and Spotify under my name, Brian Ho. I have some music/clips on my youtube channel. If there is only a few steps, I use the same ramp and if there are a lot of stairs, I need a friend (or two) or I take a clonewheel (usually a Viscount Legend Live). Parking on hills is a huge challenge for me as well!

[@rodolfosarudiansky]

Man, u need an wheelchair entervan, the ramp is there, A LOT of space and hooks to strap it r there too.

[@BrianHoJazz]

That would be great. I bought the van from a friend for very little money and I don’t move it enough to justify a wheelchair van. Plus, I can use the van as a passenger van.

[@pellapaigeaah7579]

Hello. What brand of dollies did you move the Leslie with? Thanks

[@BrianHoJazz]

Mine doesn't have a name (bought second hand) but this is the one : jansenpianobenches.com/collections/piano-dollies-and-piano-moving-equipment/products/jansen-dual-trucks-move-a-piano-with-one-person?variant=19692072239166

[@ZeroG]

The struggle is real

[@BrianHoJazz]

lol!

[@markauckland666]

why not move the car closer to the door?

[@BrianHoJazz]

Exercise! jk.

[@stevehdj]

All that work and no wave bye bye at the end

[@BrianHoJazz]

I didn't know someone was filming me! Just kidding. :)

[@watcher9987]

Big big difference moving an A100 and a B3..low center of gravity. B3 high center of gravity

[@mikestarmer3121]

Do not try this alone 😂

[@BrianHoJazz]

Sadly I do it all the time!

[@bachsteady]

What kind of leslie cover is that?

[@BrianHoJazz]

Le Cover

[@johnfreund4456]

Nice Brian. Your gonna want to put some pillows or couch cushions around the bench/Leslie and pedals to keep them from shifting and banging into each other. Here’s a video of a similar adventure I did in 2003(?!) - holy crap… 20 yrs ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKGsoGuNn554rpY

[@BrianHoJazz]

Nice! 20 years ago! :) I have an old sleeping bag that I wedge between the organ and pedals. I have a cover for the leslie as well.

[@massimomalaguti8865]

Ottimo.... Metterei qualche coperta vecchia in più' ,per evitare le frenate Brusche!!!!!

[@SuccessfulM.D.]

What is the size of your ramps?

[@BrianHoJazz]

I put some links in the description.

[@SuccessfulM.D.]

@@BrianHoJazz Thanks

[@kaufmann6988]

Great video, but that car with that kind of load is a pure death trap. ☠️

[@samgendler]

You think a minivan with 400 pounds of load is a death trap? Granted, it needs to be tied down, but that's not any heavier than the original seats plus a couple of adults.

[@yarleumas]

That van can seat 5 people in the rear. Do the math. He is not close to overloading that van.

[@Steven-zg5bq]

@@samgendler death trap? what a wussie! go hug you mommy

[@thomaspick4123]

What a hassle. Get a portable modern Hammond Suzuki and a Ventilator.

[@BrianHoJazz]

I'm endosed by Viscount and definitely use a Viscount Soul and Vortex 315 on some gigs. There is nothing like playing a well maintained B3 and leslie and this is just one way to move it if one wants to.