Hammond B-3 clones and drawbars

[Miser]

Hello!

Is there anybody familiar with Hammond B-3`s registration?
I`ve never played a real B-3 so please exuce my ignorance.I´d like to know what is the function of having two sets of drawbars per manual?
Native Instruments` B4 for example features only one set of drawbars per manual and all the drawbar tips that I know give only
one registration per manual.
Let`s say that we play middle C on upper manual.
What if one set for upper manual is:004000000 and the other set is 008000000 or vice versa?In other words, what is the difference
between (008000000 + 008000000) and (004000000 + 008000000) for upper manual?What if setting is
(000000000+008000000) for upper manual?If both sets have
effect on sound,in layman´s logic there is no way you can emulate all the sounds available on B-3 with just
one set of drawbars per manual.Could this be one of many reason for B-3 sounding \"fat\" compared to thin sound of clones?
Hammond spinets have one set of drawbars per manual
and in this sense many B-3 clones are more like them.

Thank you!

 

[chewie]

As far as I know, the two sets of drawbars are for two different sounds, you can choose between them (and other presets) with an octave of black keys in the left side of the keyboard...You cant play both at the same time.

 

[Miser]

Ok ,Thank you!

It seems to be logical explanation.I guess it would have to be a huge organ,if there would be four active manual drawbar sets at the same time(plus pedal sets).
How this switch between two drawbar settings is implemented on each manual of B-3?

Thanks!

 

[Giles117 DP]

The B4 is the most accurate representation of a Hammond B3 there is. Down to the drawbars......

For an organ player the drawbars allow him a nice wide pallet of sounds easily between playing the upper and lower.

and foot pedals.

You might need a brighter setting and a more mellow setting for your performance. you can mix/blend your sonics tastes as you are playing.

My favorite organ player (who died in 1996) showed me the beauty of the B3. Yes you could set the upper and lower to sound exactly the same, but why????

 

[Miser]

Hello again!

Do you mean the same setting for upper and lower manual or for the same manual?What bothered me was,why there is two sets of 9 drawbars for each
manual.B4 shows only one set for each manual.
If other set is alternative set like chewie said,how the change between sets is
implemented within each manual?
It is very common to play for example chords on lower manual and melody lines on upper manual (to get percussion) and have different registrations for each manual.
I must agree with you that B4 is fine emulation.Since I bought it I haven`t
touched my other clones (hardware or software).My favorite jazz organist is Larry Young.

Best wishes

 

[chewie]

Mayby I was unclear...there are a set of black keys that works like preset buttons, you can choose between two sets of drawbar settings for each manual as well as some pre-made presets. any clearer...?

 

[Miser]

Hello again!

Your point made it clear.Actually I had read about the preset keys changing between alternate sets many many years ago but I didn`t remember the article until you made your point.Thank you for your help!!!

For experimental minds I recommend Larry Young`s Lawrence Of Newark album.

Best wishes