From hammond.b3@verizon.net Thu Dec 20 05:49:23 2007
Subject:Re: XK3C - 2nd Impressions

I remember when a B3 was your only option for a Hammond sound and an acoustic piano sound was simply not available unless you had access to a road crew, cartage company and a rental Steinway/Yamaha or Baldwin.
I was delirious when sampling came into vogue. Now we can get just about any acoustic piano sound we want in a small box or keyboard. There is a multitude of choices. The same with clones, only there are more factors that are needed to satisfy a real Hammond sound.
I did a House of Blues gig last week and was tickled pink because they had a house B3 and an S90.
For me it boils down to either carrying a B3/Leslie for a 2-hour show or carrying a clone.
Nothing will ever replace a B3 in my book but I've programmed myself to enjoying the sound my Hammond clones get because it gets the message across. And I can get out the door in about 10 minutes.
There will always be that "somethings missing" aspect to a clone but, to coin a phrase, they are what they are. Very close representations of the real thing.
And there will be new options as time goes on and we'll all be trying them in the chase for the perfect Hammond sound.
I've played Hammonds that sounded like crap and it was a let-down to play them. Same with clones.
With a Leslie I can get my clone to give me that shiver when I play it. It's not necessarily aesthetically pleasing but I can overlook that.
I think we'll all forever be on the hunt for the perfect Hammond sound in a small box.
The only organ I've ever played that was somewhat manageable in size and weight and had the "it" factor was a Bill Beer chop.
Someday I'll chop my old A100 then I'll be happy.
Until then I can enjoy my clone.
Enjoy your collective days.
Chuck
Dallas
----- Original Message -----
From: tonysounds
To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 7:14 AM
Subject: Re: [CWSG] Re: XK3C - 2nd Impressions

The thing does sound fantastic. The thing is ergonomically correct, everything is where it's SUPPOSED to be. From what I've heard, it actually FEELS correct (it's built to take full arm smears...try that with any existing clone and it's likely to slide off the stand). So I can see why even though you're done chasing clones, others might not be, especially if they haven't been chasing them as long as you have an happen to own, let's see, a VK8m, an Electro, M3 chopper, Speakeasy Roadbox, and ....?

The thing about these clones is they're getting close, but even Walter will have to admit, none of them sounds AS GOOD as his M3 through a Roadbox. Do they sound good? Yes. Are they acceptable (to some players, not all). Are they the Holy Grail? No.

The world is not flat and the sky is not falling, and everything that can be done under the sun has NOT been done yet. A little vision please.....

jake92028 wrote:

We have tried and bought so many different clones with and without
rotary simulators or rotary amplifiers/leslies - that they've gotten so
good, why would anyone want to buy a new and different clone setup
now? ..allowing for the fact you've got your weight and setup issues
sorted out..

While everyone was wheeling and dealing, the 'Holy Grail(s)' of clone
B3's and Leslies have already arrived within the last year or two.
Play 'em, be happy, and have fun.

New clone! yawn..

Lookie another new clone! yawn..

Hey what about this, it's fantastic!? yawn.. seriously, folks.

I'm not shelling out a dollar for any of that new or not-so-new italian
stuff. God bless 'em, they should play it and enjoy it. Wj

"The meek shall inherit nothing." -FZ
"You don't get tone on a diet." -T
"Hitting 'play' does not constitute live performance." -T
www.myspace.com/tonyorant

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