From robert@cs.stanford.edu Thu Dec 27 19:51:25 2007
Subject:Re: OT: Hammond A-122

> ... looking for some advice from those who
> own/have owned this model or similar models.

A few more thoughts. I don't know if you've owned or test-driven a
real Hammond console organ before. You've probably found good info in
your web hunting, but here are some pointers:

1. Make sure every key works with every drawbar on the A# and B
presets with both manuals. Check each drawbar all the way out and
at at least one other position. Chances are good everything will be
fine if this organ doesn't have a lot of mileage on it, but a
heavily used organ can have worn spots on the bus bars and key
contacts that, in the worst case, mean those parts have to be
replaced. It's not fatal, but it is several hours of work at a
minimum. Plus you have to come up with the parts somewhere. This
organ probably doesn't have this problem at all. Similar symptoms
can show up with much more minor problems: dirt on the bus bar(s)
which require just adjusting the bus bar shift screw or just
playing the offending key repeatedly until the dirt is worn
through.

2. Check that the percussion circuit works on all settings. If it
doesn't, you probably have metal whiskers that require either
electrical zapping or mechanical cleaning. The former is easy and
almost always effective. Only about half of the percussions switch
contacts are easily accessible for mechanical cleaning, though, so
if zapping doesn't work it's a hard problem. I've never seen an
organ that didn't respond to zapping, but I've heard it can
happen. My organ needed zapping when I got it.

3. Check that the vibrato and chorus sound right on all settings. The
scanner can make a "motorboating" sound if it isn't right. I don't
remember the details of what needs doing in that situation. I think
it's pretty minor but dig around on the web about it if no one
pipes up here.

4. It's also worth checking that the generator turns freely, but
you'll check that just by turning the organ on and playing it. You
might take a look at the threads that guide the oil from the oil
cups to the bearings. Those threads break easily and sometimes
you'll find they're missing or broken. If the generator cover is
totally intact and you can't easily see the threads, I personally
wouldn't bother taking things apart to check them. It's probably
never been apart and is probably untouched since new.

Those are the main things to look for. Chances are good you're going
to find nothing wrong. If I found any of these problems, it probably
wouldn't keep me from wanting to buy the organ, but they can be useful
points for negotiating on the price. Good luck!

-- Robert