From xxcaptinxx@comcast.net Wed Dec 15 21:41:30 2004
Subject:Re: Hammond Help!!

First, a Hammond B3 and Leslie 122 in reasonable cosmetic condition that has
not been through a fire or flood is worth $1,500 in parts alone, and up to
three times that much when its working, in the US. So buy it while you can,
or pass along the phone number so one of us can grab it.

Second, are you sure that you are starting it correctly? You may have to run
the start motor up to 15 seconds before you engage the run switch if it
hasn't been oiled.

http://www.dairiki.org/HammondWiki/HowToStartAHammond

Do you hear the tonewheels turning? Even if they aren't, it is a simple
matter to oil them up once you have it home.

Third, have you verified that the Leslie cable was plugged in correctly?
The pins are different sizes, so they should only fit one way. Often a
stray foot will kick the cable and break the solder joint at a pin. You can
wiggle both sides around a bit to see whether that makes contact and you get
a tone. ( I recently bought my Leslie 44W for a song, only to discover that
this $5 problem is what made the seller think the amp was blown).

Fourth, did you check that the volume control on the Leslie was turned up to
6 and the resistor control was set to Open?

Fifth, you can make a quick test tool with a pair of headphones and a pair
of alligator clips attached to some 20 gauge stranded wire soldered to a 1/4
inch jack. Take the back off the B3 and find the pre-amp in the middle.
Look on the left side connection strip for the two lugs marked G-G. Clip
one alligator clip to one of them, and the other clip to a screw on the
preamp. Plug the headphones into the jack and listen through one side.
When you play a note (black B preset pressed down, all drawbars out,
expression pedal floored) you should hear sound. If you do, chances are
that the organ is fine. If you get that far, you can give it a test drive.

http://www.dairiki.org/HammondWiki/HowToTestDriveAHammond

Sixth, The pops through the speaker indicate that the expensive parts of the
Leslie are probably working. Are all four motor plugs plugged in? It is
not uncommon for the rotor slow motor to be unplugged for that "22H" sound.
Did you switch it between tremolo and chorale, and if so, what happened?

There is a lot more that you can do to investigate any problems, and the
lists here will be glad to help. The bottom line is that most B-3s kept by
individuals are not beat up, and are usually readily fixable.

Regards,

Dave Bishop