From drjoho@swbell.net Wed Sep 22 16:59:05 2004
Subject:Leslie 145 Review

Well folks, you might ask what do I think of the Leslie 145.

OH, MY GOD!!! (and yes I am shouting!)

I have not had access to a Leslie since my teens (late '60s).

So, a few years ago I started going through the digital revolution.

Korg CX3, Speakeasy, Leslie Sim (best leslie sim combo IMHO)
Korg CX3, Speakeasy, Motion Sound Pro-145 (No more Sims for me...)
Electo, Speakeasy, Motion Sound Pro-145
Hammond XK-3, Motion Sound Pro-145 (big difference, the Hammond sounds right - right C/V, right percussion, and right harmonics in the tonewheels)

and now

Hammond XK-3, Leslie 145 (if not nirvana, it has got to be close - when I get my Hammond A122 and Leslie 122 delivered mid-Oct, I can AB with the XK-3)

I never thought that there would be so much difference between the
Motion Sound 145 and the Leslie 145.

What are the differences that standout with a direct AB comparison?

1. Bass: The Left Hand Bass and the Pedals sound right - they are deep, full, and sound like the records (or Tony Monaco playing live). The MS Pro-145 cannot come close to the Leslie 145 bass, period.

2. Clarity: There are two points here. The chords through the Leslie 145 are just clearer, I can hear all the notes and harmonics, the MS Pro-145 are not quite distinct, close, but I definitely can hear a difference. The other clarity point is that the MS Pro-145 has always seems to mix or mush the solo or comp and the bass together, in other words they take on a different character if you listen to them by themselves than when played together. With the Leslie 145 the clarity is phenomenal I can hear the bass and either comp or solo distinctly almost like two instruments are playing.

3. Tone: This one is hard to articulate, but I will try. The Leslie 145 has a more bell like quality or just a harmonic sweetness. Ya just have to hear it.

So, now what?

So far, I conclude that I have been exposed to 3 magical devices:

1. The Hammond XK-3 is the best clone when used with a rotating speaker.
(with that said I am still not selling my Electo and I have bought a "real" Hammond A122)

2. The Leslie 145 is a truly magical beast.
Pros: Bass, Clarity, Tone can all be summed up as "The Sound". And it is pretty. Reasonably loud.
Cons: Heavy (128 lbs), Big, No Handles, No Wheels, basically not fun to move around.
My use: Home for personal practice and studio work.

3. The MS Pro-145 is also a magical beast.
Pros: Closest thing to the sound (minus the Bass) that I have heard. It screams and it growls. The growl really sounds like the leslie when pushed. It is LOUD. Relatively light (65 lbs), Has Handles, Has Wheels basically easy to move around.
Cons: Lack of Bass, Although ot a "perfect" Leslie reproduction it's damn close (especially in a Rock Band context)
My use: Band practice and Gigging.

So, there you have it I am constantly grinning everytime I crank up the Leslie, but I also grin when I am "kicking out the jam" with my Ms Pro-145 with my band (check us out a www.doctorsofrock.com)

Josiah

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