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Average Price: $119

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$150

$601+

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Description

Discover the Hammond Auto-Vari 64, a vintage gem that brings a touch of retro magic to your DJ setup. Originally released in 1974, this analog drum machine was crafted during an era of musical innovation, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and functionality. Perfect for musicians who appreciate the warm, organic sounds of yesteryear, the Auto-Vari 64 stands as a testament to timeless design and creative potential.

What sets the Auto-Vari 64 apart is its auto-vari section, a groundbreaking feature for its time. With 16 drum patterns, each offering 4 distinct variations, you can explore a total of 64 unique rhythms. This allows for an unparalleled level of versatility, enabling musicians to infuse their tracks with dynamic and evolving beats that keep listeners engaged. Whether you're layering complex rhythms or simply adding a vintage touch to your music, this drum machine delivers with precision and character.

Ideal for both live performances and studio sessions, the Auto-Vari 64 is a must-have for those looking to expand their sonic palette with authentic analog sounds. Its straightforward interface ensures that even beginners can dive right in, while seasoned musicians will appreciate the depth and nuance it brings to their compositions.

Key Features:

  • 11 voice analog drum machine
  • Released in 1974 with influences from Roland's TR-77
  • Auto-vari section with 16 drum patterns and 4 variations each for 64 unique rhythms

Product specs

Brand Hammond
Model Auto-Vari 64
Finish Silver / Wood
Year 1974 - 1979
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Analog
Polyphony 7 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can I create with the Hammond Auto-Vari 64?

The Hammond Auto-Vari 64 offers a variety of classic analog rhythms typical of the 1970s, with 64 preset patterns. It excels in producing vintage, warm drum sounds suitable for genres like rock, pop, and funk.

Is the Hammond Auto-Vari 64 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Hammond Auto-Vari 64 can be used for live performances, providing reliable analog drum patterns. However, its vintage design may require additional equipment for seamless integration with modern setups.

How many voices of polyphony does the Hammond Auto-Vari 64 have?

The Hammond Auto-Vari 64 features 7 voices of polyphony, allowing for multiple rhythmic elements to be played simultaneously, enhancing the depth and complexity of its drum patterns.

What is the build quality of the Hammond Auto-Vari 64?

The Hammond Auto-Vari 64 features a robust construction with a silver and wood finish, typical of 1970s design, offering durability and a classic aesthetic appeal.

Does the Hammond Auto-Vari 64 have any connectivity options for modern equipment?

The Hammond Auto-Vari 64, being an analog drum machine from the 1970s, has limited connectivity compared to modern equipment. Users may need adapters or interfaces to connect it with contemporary gear.

Penishead

Penishead

HAMMOND AUTO VARI 64: Sound and Functions [direct sound] [Full HD]

Video thumbnail for HAMMOND AUTO VARI 64: Sound and Functions [direct sound] [Full HD] by Penishead

HAMMOND AUTO VARI 64: Sound and Functions [direct sound] [Full HD]

Penishead

Penishead

Video thumbnail for Hammond Auto Vari 64 Analog Drum Machine by marcusdolby1

Hammond Auto Vari 64 Analog Drum Machine

marcusdolby1

marcusdolby1

Video thumbnail for Hammond Auto Vari 64 Vintage Drummachine by 7V-STUDIO

Hammond Auto Vari 64 Vintage Drummachine

7V-STUDIO

7V-STUDIO

Video thumbnail for Analog Drum Machine Hammond Auto Vari 64 mid 1970 meets Eurorack drum sequencer from Erica Synths by Maik Schott

Analog Drum Machine Hammond Auto Vari 64 mid 1970 meets Eurorack drum sequencer from Erica Synths

Maik Schott

Maik Schott

Video thumbnail for Inside The Hammond Auto-Vari 64 Rare Drum Machine Acetone, Roland, Bentley by Matthew North Music

Inside The Hammond Auto-Vari 64 Rare Drum Machine Acetone, Roland, Bentley

Matthew North Music

Matthew North Music

Video thumbnail for 1974 Hammond Auto-Vari 64 101100 Preset Analog Drum Machine by keyboard resource

1974 Hammond Auto-Vari 64 101100 Preset Analog Drum Machine

keyboard resource

keyboard resource

Video thumbnail for Hammond Auto-Vari 64 vintage 1974 drum machine by Marco van Hylckama Vlieg

Hammond Auto-Vari 64 vintage 1974 drum machine

Marco van Hylckama Vlieg

Marco van Hylckama Vlieg

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hammond Auto-Vari 64.

Setup and maintenance

  • The unit's two-prong plug resembles a cheap brown lamp cord, which may contribute to power issues.

    Source
  • Troubleshooting should start with the power supply, checking for failed capacitors or corroded connectors.

    Source
  • Cold solder points or mechanical connection failures are common issues to investigate.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Auto-Vari 64 can exhibit a 60Hz buzz, which may fade out instead of cutting abruptly, often indicating a capacitor issue.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have experienced no obvious burn marks or blown fuses, suggesting internal component failure rather than visible damage.

    Source
  • Some owners have extra knobs from stripped Hammond units, offering a potential source for replacements.

    Source

Build quality

  • The gold disc on the knob can be replaced with a cold gold anodized brushed aluminum disk for restoration.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Crafting a brass disc to fit the existing knob can be achieved with a brass bar and lathe work.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
biobazar

Extraordinary Drum Machine by a extraordinary company

Extraordinary Drum Machine by a extraordinary company

jimmarchi1

oh man, I used to see these all the time at flea markets before they became cool!

biobazar

YEAH ! Someone gave it to me in a garage sale

jimmarchi1

I am not a bit surprised. Someone once gave me a whole Wurlitzer organ with a built in drum machine at a yard sale. I thinkan ex-girlfriend has that to this day. I just couldn't drag it to the elevator again when I moved out and certainly wasn't going to lug it up to the top floor of my walk up!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Moby uses Hammond Auto-Vari 64

Moby

Music Producer

Hanzel und Gretyl

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen at 6:03 in the video

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hammond Auto-Vari 64, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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