Testing a 1965 Hammond B3 for Potential Foam Damage - Keyboard Exchange International

[@Aron-t6j]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate everything you guys do🎉🎉

[@KeyboardExchange]

Many thanks for your kind and encouraging words! Please stay tuned. Also know we are always looking for good neew homes for the instruments we are restoring. We have promised the families that have sold them to us we would do just that, find good homes for their cherished Hammond!

[@georgeray3492]

Looking forward to the technical deep dive.

[@classicaudioadventures]

If I wasn't on the other side of the country I'd come visit and just talk shop. The IEC power entry on the AO-39 is a nice touch. When I went through my A-100 I managed to find a grounded Amphenol plug to replace the standard one (part no. 160-11N). I also swapped the 5 pin tone cabinet connector with a 6 pin wired for my Leslie.

[@KeyboardExchange]

Your comments here on our KZbin channel are appreaciated as it gives others the opportunity to learn. Please stay tuned and comment often.....We thank you!

[@michaelk2045]

You can also use a 100W lightbulb in series to test for shorts.

[@KeyboardExchange]

I am interested to better understand your suggestion. Could you please send me an email with details? My email is [e-mail] or you can post here if you prefer and that information can be shared with many that may have interest. Thank you for commenting

[@KameraShy]

@@KeyboardExchange Wire a 100W light bulb in series with the power line. This technique is used by various vintage electronics guys on YT. Shango066 uses it extensively instead of a variac. He also likes to test and diagnose before doing a recap.

[@kduane1]

What code on the serial number indicates the year? And can you only see foam if the keyboard is lifted like that? I do know that my A100 pedal board has felt strips inside.

[@paulnuccio3114]

Hi - I appreciate your vids. Regarding foam removal, what do you replace the foam WITH? I imagine it is felt, but is it a specific type? Thickness? Is it glued in? Thanks!

[@KeyboardExchange]

Great question! Something must be done to replace the original intent and function of the foam, and previously of the felt that was used to retain the fine wires. To be clear, the felt never needs to be replaced. Our techs actually weave a cotton fiber retaining network as a very effective replacement for the factory installed foam. It takes a bit of time, but the result is outstanding and the cotton fiber will be noncorrosive long term.

[@AnalogComputing]

You guys know your stuff! Just moved to Central Florida and am so glad to be close to you guys. I got an old B-3 and Leslie that undoubtedly needs some minor restoration, it's not sentimental, based on your website you prefer the trade-in plus a bit of cash?

[@matts4025]

This may help with figuring out some tonal issues in my RT3 she runs and plays, but I feel like I'm not getting the full dynamics.

[@KeyboardExchange]

60 year old Hammond organs will almost always sound dull without a proper internal restoration. An RT-3 requires an external speaker system so that also needs internal restoration. Restoration work is required to allow the full potential of any of these instruments. Note the testing process so determine if you are missing any tones which will also degrade the sound of the organ if you are missing tones. If your RT-3 was made before 1964 it will not have foam issues as only organs from 1964 will have the factory installed foam. You might also listen to some of our RT-3 videos to see what they should sound like as a reference. More information at www.keyboardexchange.com

[@matts4025]

@@KeyboardExchange thanks for the great information! Luckily I have a leslie 147 for the amplification! And actually with the serial number being 5544 I believe it to be between 58'-59' so I'm very fortunate to not have the foam issue. Yes! It is a bit "dull" not that it doesn't have "the sound" just missing its twinkle. I will definitely be giving all of your beautiful rt3 videos another view. Hello from Seattle, Matt

[@matts4025]

Cant wait!

[@andyward8062]

wow a 'thousand' day week !!

[@njvdpost2646]

Ik speel al 50 jaar op een Hammond en ik Ben er nog steeds gek van als ik er op speeld