Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,382

Standard/Professional

$799

$2000+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time and experience the vintage allure of the Hammond B-2, a hallmark in the world of organs. Originally introduced in the 1950s, this iconic instrument continues to captivate musicians with its classic sound and unique tonewheel generator technology. Perfectly suited for jazz, blues, gospel, and rock, the B-2 offers a warm, rich tonal quality that modern digital imitations struggle to replicate.

The Hammond B-2 is equipped with dual manuals, each featuring 61 keys, providing an expansive range for musical exploration. Its physical drawbars allow for precise control over the organ’s harmonic content, giving musicians the ability to craft their signature sound. The B-2 also includes a percussion feature that enhances the attack of the notes, adding depth and character to performances.

The integration of the legendary Harmonic Percussion feature sets the B-2 apart, offering musicians a dynamic tool to shape their sound. The simple, yet effective, design allows for easy customization of the percussion effects, adding a layer of expressiveness to your play.

Key Features:

  • Authentic tonewheel generator for classic Hammond sound
  • Dual 61-key manuals for extensive playability
  • Nine adjustable drawbars per manual for sound customization
  • Iconic Harmonic Percussion feature for added tonal depth
  • Suitable for a variety of musical genres, from jazz to rock
  • Vintage aesthetics paired with timeless sound quality

Whether you're a seasoned organist or an aspiring musician, the Hammond B-2 provides a nostalgic yet powerful musical experience that stands the test of time.

Product specs

Brand Hammond
Model B2 Organ
Finish Natural
Year 1949 - 1954
Made In United States
Categories Organs
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys

FAQs

What are the key differences between the Hammond B-2 and B-3 organs?

The Hammond B-2 and B-3 are similar in design, but the B-3 includes additional features like percussion and vibrato/chorus controls, which the B-2 lacks. The B-3 is often preferred for its greater tonal versatility.

Is the Hammond B-2 organ suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Hammond B-2 is suitable for live performances, offering rich, full-bodied tones characteristic of vintage Hammond organs. However, it lacks the built-in percussion and vibrato effects found in later models like the B-3.

How many keys does the Hammond B-2 organ have?

The Hammond B-2 organ features 61 keys, providing a full-size keyboard for comprehensive playability across various musical styles.

Does the Hammond B-2 require a Leslie speaker for optimal sound?

While a Leslie speaker is not required, it is highly recommended to pair the Hammond B-2 with a Leslie speaker to enhance its classic, swirling sound and achieve the iconic Hammond organ tone.

What type of keyboard action does the Hammond B-2 have?

The Hammond B-2 organ features a synth action keyboard, which provides a smooth and responsive playing experience suitable for both traditional and contemporary organ techniques.

Herve' Thomas

Herve' Thomas

Hammond B2 Demonstration by Devin Watkins

Video thumbnail for Hammond B2 Demonstration by Devin Watkins by Herve' Thomas

Hammond B2 Demonstration by Devin Watkins

Herve' Thomas

Herve' Thomas

Video thumbnail for HAMMOND B2 organ and Leslie 122 from BlackHAMMOND.COM by blackhammond

HAMMOND B2 organ and Leslie 122 from BlackHAMMOND.COM

blackhammond

blackhammond

Video thumbnail for 1953 Hammond B2 and Leslie 600 Demonstration by sopranojam

1953 Hammond B2 and Leslie 600 Demonstration

sopranojam

sopranojam

Video thumbnail for Hammond B2 by VintageGear by Vintage Gear

Hammond B2 by VintageGear

Vintage Gear

Vintage Gear

Video thumbnail for # 354 Hammond B2 with Leslie at Keyboard Exchange International by Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International

# 354 Hammond B2 with Leslie at Keyboard Exchange International

Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International

Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International

Video thumbnail for Hammond B2 Organ Demonstration by Herve' Thomas

Hammond B2 Organ Demonstration

Herve' Thomas

Herve' Thomas

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hammond B-2.

Features and functionality

  • The B2 model allows selective application of vibrato/chorus to one or both manuals, offering more flexibility in sound customization compared to the CV.

    Source
  • The percussion unit affects drawbar selection based on the harmonic selected, demonstrating its complex integration with the organ's sound customization.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The TrekII percussion unit can be installed on the B2 to add a percussive tone, a feature originally lacking in both B2 and CV models.

    Source
  • Owners may encounter wiring issues with aftermarket percussion units on the B-2, requiring troubleshooting or component replacement for optimal performance.

    Source
  • Trek2 percussion kit is highly recommended for enhancing the B2's functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 145 Leslie is smaller but functionally similar to the 122, with different amp configurations typically used for Wurlitzer organs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest that with patience, a Hammond with B3 equivalent components and a proper Leslie can be found for under $2,000, significantly lower than some current listings.

    Source

User experience

  • Authenticity seekers highlight that smooth drawbars on the B2 enhance the playing feel and aesthetic appeal, making it a preferred choice for some organ enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Owners find unlocking a seized B2 generator is labor-intensive but ultimately rewarding with the right approach.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A 60 cycle hum occurs when percussion-specific drawbars are pulled and the percussion is off, indicating potential wiring or component issues in the percussion unit.

    Source
  • It's been suggested that the hum may be linked to a decay time capacitor connected to the fast/slow switch in the percussion unit.

    Source
  • The tone generator may seize if overoiled or if incorrect oil is used; careful manual rotation often resolves the issue.

    Source
  • Freeing a locked-up synchro motor can restore functionality; careful handling is required to avoid further damage.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Christopher Dowd uses Hammond B-2

Christopher Dowd

Keyboardist, Trombonist

Fishbone

...
Verified

Listed among Dowd's gear in the May 1991 Musician interview "Fishbone Swims Upstream To Spawn Its Punk-Funk Hybrid" by Roy Trakin.

CHRIS DOWD plays a Hammond B-2, a MIDI portable synthesizer, an Ensoniq VFX-SD organ, a Roland D-50 linear synthesizer, a Roland JX-8P keyboard and an "old-school" ARP Omni II.

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 B-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ensoniq VFX-SD
Ensoniq VFX-SD Synthesizers
1
ARP Omni-2
ARP Omni-2 Synthesizers
1
Roland JX-8P
Roland JX-8P Synthesizers
1
Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
1

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