Piano World Home Page Forums Other Keyboard Instruments Organs - Electronic (B3 etc.), Pipe, Theatre, & Reed B3 prices

Hi guys, starting a search for a B3 and I am trying to get some basic cost info. I realize these differ greatly but am looking for a B3 in excellent playing condition and good-very good cosmetic condition.

Thanks
Paul

They are out there. You will see quite an assortment on places like eBay. Some go for $10,000 plus but I would steer away from those. There are too many out there to be had for much less. Are you looking for one with a Leslie or a straight Hammond tone cabinet? The ones without Leslies should go for much less money.

Also - consider this - right now C3's and A100's go for less money, yet are identical electronically to the B3. Same sound, different cabinet, less money.

I'll try to help you with any questions on any organ you're considering before you buy. And don't rule out a non-playing organ either. Sometimes these can be REAL DEALS.

Yep B3s from organ stores tend to set you back usually $7,000 or more.


Now C3s and a100s are always less. Usually quite a bit less.


But dont forget! The b3s big brothers,

the D152, and RT3. Equally fantastic beautiful organs. Much larger, and more features than a b3, but same workings. More pedals too.

Ive seen RT3s and D152 sell for under $2,000 several times.

Thanks, I am thinking B3 because it will be a one and done purchase. It will be the last organ I ever buy. Got rid of my L100 about 5 years ago an am now starting to get that itch again!

That being said I would consider a C3 so any info you guys have on prices for both (with Leslie) would be great!

I imagine there are deals to be had these days (relatively speaking)

Thanks again,
Paul
Paul

I personally know of a B3 that I pretty much rebuilt sold for $6600 with Leslie. Went to Russia. I know of an A100 with Leslie I rebuilt sold for $3995. Don't forget, they are the same as a B3 except it additionally has reverb and internal amp. Otherwise EXACT same organ.

I'm going to say you can get a C3for around $5000-$6000. No matter the advertised price always negotiate - you never know what you can get it for. Just be sure you know what you're getting. Some need money sunk into them, and while they are worth it, you don't want to overpay and then have to sink more money into them.

You might want to check with Rich Galassini. He might have a couple to choose from if you're in his neck of the woods. I know he has one I've worked on.

Thanks, I am really just starting out looking at these so not really in "purchase" mode yet.

Also, what are the best web sites to get info on the various Hammond Models?

Thanks
Paul

There is a fantastic website that I always enjoy searching, which was made by a friend, with lots of hammond info and stuff.

http://nycfarmboy.com/

If you go there, you will see various hammond organ models with links to their own pages with pictures, and almost always MANY different SOUND clips, to give you an idea of the difference between some of the hammond models.

Neat website! I see some pictures of the 1930's model A. I know a lady who has one - serial number 2. The second Hammond off the line. Number one is in the Smithsonian.

Wow! What a lucky lady she is! Hammond organ number 2. Thats impressive.

The model A is special all in itself. Doesn't sound quite like any other hammond. A very sweet sounding instrument.

The sad part is that she has it in storage. It's for sale and in need of restoration. She has wanted me to make an offer on it, but I would probably insult her. Number 9 was on eBay last summer with 2 leslies - all restored and it didn't sell at $2995. I honestly figure hers for less than $1000 - playable A's seem to go for around $500. So I declined making an offer. Especially after she commented to me on other offers that she was not going to let it go for a measly "few thousand dollars". BUT, if anyone is interested I can put them in touch with her. I would love to see it put back into playing condition (I'd love to be the one to do it!!).

I certainly would love it but could never afford it. Its a shame.

She is probably caught up in the "its old, so it must be worth a million bucks" phase.

I see it in everything. I collect appliances and such, and I see that often. Somebody had an old hoover vacuum, from the 70s. Beat to death, unoriginal parts, and non running. I said Ill give you $20 for it. She got real nasty and used some vile words, and tried to say it was worth several hundred dollars (Which in all honesty wasn't actually worth anything at all)


Hopefully another free D152 or something will show up. Just a few weeks ago on craigslist, there was a free complete D152 that worked but hummed about 2 hours away from me.

Have you ever encountered a model E? Thats hands down my most favorite hammond organ ever. Hardly ever see them, and I have only seen 2 for sale.

Yes, not too long ago. My dealer buddy had one stashed in a trailer that someone gave him. A lady called him and said she used to have one and wanted another. So he dug it out of the trailer and I went over it. Let me tell you, the vibrato scanners in those things are a BEAR!! Got everything working and I think she bought it for $1000. She must be happy with it because I have not gotten any frantic phone calls from my friend!

I personally have an M3. I've been working on it slow but sure - the cabinet is in ok shape, nothing spectacular, but I am going to get the electronics all 100% tippy top so it will be the best sounding M3 around. I have a few 'trade secrets' up my sleeve that are going to make a big difference. Then I am going to put an old internal leslie in an external cabinet and hook it up. Maybe new felt in the manuals as well - it needs it.

Here is one for sale...

http://www.organforum.com/forums/showthread.php?15812-For-Sale-Hammond-E-182-Organ-in-Oklahoma-City

Oh nope! Thats not it.

Its not a Hammond model E- ####

ITs a hammond model E.(period)
(well was called the "concert E" - The most Top of the line hammond)


It predates the B3,b2 and maybe even the BV/CV-


Full pedals, TWO!!! Expressions (thats why I love it!) Fancy preset tabs- Swell indicator!

The whole package! Has to be the most deluxe organ for its time! (1940s)

Pictures and audio here!- (see isn't this site fantastic?)

http://www.nycfarmboy.com/hammondE/detail.html

WOW! I never saw one of those. You're right, it is quite an organ. Too bad there were no pics of the insides. Looks like it has TWO tone generators like the BC.

Nice looking 31h with it too. I just rebuilt one of those. It just left the shop yesterday.

Yes I believe it has 2 tone generators. Its from around 1937-8. So its an early hammond

I thought I had seen every Hammond but the 2 expression pedals on the A are amazing!!

You mean the E? If there is a model A with 2 expressions I wana see it!!!!!


Somewhere on my gazertillion files on my PC I have a HUUUUGE booklet of EVERY SINGLE HAMMOND MODEL ever made up until 1970.

It contains photographs, Exploded views, electrical schematics, servicing diagrams, and part numbers.


Ill have to dig through it to find more information about the different model changes.

Dont know where the Concert E fits in the model line up.



If anyone wants info on say the B3 or anything, I can look it up.