Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,795

High-end/Boutique

$799

$2000+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Hammond B-3, a timeless classic in the world of musical instruments. This organ, steeped in history, holds a revered spot among musicians across genres for its exquisite sound and versatile tones. Its robust construction and rich finishes, available in both Cherry and Walnut, make it a visually stunning addition to any musician's collection. The Hammond B-3 isn't just about aesthetics, though; it's equipped with the distinctive Hammond percussion feature, adding an extra dimension to its tonal capabilities. This organ embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-have for every music enthusiast.

Key Features:

  • Iconic Hammond B-3 organ
  • Available in Cherry and Walnut finishes
  • Equipped with distinctive Hammond percussion feature
  • Rich and versatile tonal capabilities
  • Robust and elegant construction.

Product specs

Brand Hammond
Model B3
Finish Mahogany
Year 1955 - 1974
Made In United States
Categories Organs
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys

FAQs

What makes the Hammond B-3 organ unique in sound compared to other organs?

The Hammond B-3 is renowned for its rich, warm tone and distinctive sound created by its tonewheel generator and drawbars, which allow for a wide range of tonal variations, making it a favorite in jazz, blues, and rock music.

Is the Hammond B-3 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Hammond B-3 is highly regarded for live performances due to its powerful sound and dynamic range, which can fill large venues. Its robust build and iconic sound make it a staple on stage for many professional musicians.

How many keys does the Hammond B-3 organ have?

The Hammond B-3 features two manuals, each with 61 full-size keys, allowing for extensive playability and versatility in performance.

Does the Hammond B-3 require any additional equipment for optimal sound?

The Hammond B-3 is often paired with a Leslie speaker cabinet to enhance its sound, providing the iconic swirling effect and depth that many musicians seek.

What type of action does the Hammond B-3 keyboard have?

The Hammond B-3 has a synth action keyboard, which provides a smooth and responsive feel suitable for expressive playing styles.

American Music World Pianos

American Music World Pianos

Hammond B3 Organ Blues

Video thumbnail for Hammond B3 Organ Blues by American Music World Pianos

Hammond B3 Organ Blues

American Music World Pianos

American Music World Pianos

Video thumbnail for B3 Boogie - Hammond B3 with Davenport Masterclass leslie 770 by Andreas Hellkvist

B3 Boogie - Hammond B3 with Davenport Masterclass leslie 770

Andreas Hellkvist

Andreas Hellkvist

Video thumbnail for Hammond B3  FUNK by MalcDeakin

Hammond B3 FUNK

MalcDeakin

MalcDeakin

Video thumbnail for The Hammond B3 Series: How to operate a Hammond B3 and Leslie (also B2, C2, C3) by ThePianoforever

The Hammond B3 Series: How to operate a Hammond B3 and Leslie (also B2, C2, C3)

ThePianoforever

ThePianoforever

Video thumbnail for 1959 Hammond B3 Organ with a Leslie Model 122 Speaker | NORM'S NEW TOY at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Hammond B3 Organ with a Leslie Model 122 Speaker | NORM'S NEW TOY at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Barbara Dennerlein Wows the Crowd with some Hammond B3 Blues at a Jazz Festival by hans1970

Barbara Dennerlein Wows the Crowd with some Hammond B3 Blues at a Jazz Festival

hans1970

hans1970

Video thumbnail for Steve Winwood: Lesson on the Hammond B-3 by GNAV TV

Steve Winwood: Lesson on the Hammond B-3

GNAV TV

GNAV TV

Video thumbnail for Eric Steckel playing Norm’s 1959 Hammond B3 at Norman’s Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Eric Steckel playing Norm’s 1959 Hammond B3 at Norman’s Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched authentic sound, impossible to replicate with synth patches

  • Adds a unique kick and depth to music

  • Versatile across genres from rock to reggae

  • Performs exceptionally well live, especially through a PA system

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hammond B-3.

Build quality

  • Original Hammond tonewheels rely on precise magnetic field interactions, with 91 steel tonewheels made to very tight tolerances that current technology struggles to replicate.

    Source
  • B-3 organs have a 27-note radiating pedalboard, centered under the keyboards, distinguishing them from the M-100's 13-pedal straight layout.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The B-3's unique tone comes from its electromechanical design, which modern digital clones cannot fully emulate, despite advanced advertising claims.

    Source
  • The B-3 boasts two switchable sets of drawbars and 12 presets per 61-note keyboard, significantly enhancing its versatility compared to the M-100's single set for each 49-note keyboard.

    Source

User experience

  • Hammond tonewheels are known for their durability, likened to classic cars that continue to run well with proper maintenance.

    Source
  • Owners note that B-3s are relatively portable for their class, lacking internal amplification and requiring external speakers, unlike the M-100 with its built-in speakers.

    Source

Comparisons

  • New digital "clonewheel" organs, like the UAD Waterfall B3, offer impressive emulation but lack the authentic analog sound of original B-3s.

    Source
  • M-100 series organs are classified as spinet organs with different electronics, impacting sound depth compared to the B-3's rich tonal output.

    Source
  • The A100, C3, D152, and RT-3 share the same tone generator as the B-3, offering nearly identical sound, but differ in features like internal speakers or pedal boards.

    Source
  • T-series organs, while having tonewheel generators and vibrato scanners, diverge from B-3 sound due to solid-state amps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • In smaller bands, a clonewheel with a real Leslie speaker provides a practical alternative to the full original setup.

    Source
  • M3 organs, despite limitations like missing "scream" foldback and preset drawbars, are favored for recording, especially with custom setups like external tube preamps and power soaks.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • New B-3 Mk2 organs are priced around $27k, highlighting their premium status compared to buying vintage models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • B-3s in “good condition” often undergo extensive professional maintenance, including standard rebuilds like re-capping tone generators, which is typically not the case for M-100 models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An M3 user enhanced their setup with a custom breakout box and tube preamp to power a Leslie, indicating potential for significant tonal improvements.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hammond B3

soundonsound.com

The Hammond B-3's latest iteration impressively captures the iconic sound and feel of the original, delighting purists and newcomers alike. With a digital tonewheel engine, it offers faithful replication and customization options, all in a lighter package. However, its steep price and limited MIDI implementation may deter some potential buyers. This modern marvel is best suited for dedicated enthusiasts and professional settings, particularly in gospel music contexts. Ultimately, the New B-3 stands as a testament to Hammond's legacy, blending tradition with innovation.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

great organ

Pat plays one on live versions of Polly (Nirvana Cover), our cover of Bob Marley's "Exodus", our cover of "Johnny B. Goode" (Peter Tosh style), our cover of Eric Clapton's "Cocaine", and our song "Uptown Boogie Woogie during a Bomb Cyclone in the Key of Ab Minor". Recommend if you can afford it.

jerry_lowery

nothing to say if you know what it is.. you just know

has to be loved on but I have never found a sample that can match the real thing...

george_rondina

B3's are one of the greatest instruments ever invented.

B3's are one of the greatest instruments ever invented. B3's are one of the greatest instruments ever invented. B3's are one of the greatest instruments ever invented. B3's are one of the greatest instruments ever invented.

dylanblay

True classic

One thing it's not loud by itself through a pa it sings

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jack White uses Hammond B-3

Jack White

Singer, Guitarist

The White Stripes

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used on "I'm Slowly Turning Into You" and "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do What You're Told)", as stated by recording and mixing engineer Joe Chiccarelli in this October 1, 2007 Mix Online interview.

A pair of songs — “I'm Slowly Turning Into You” and “You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You're Told)” — show off Jack White's B3 talents. Chiccarelli miked the B3's Leslie with a tube U47 on the bottom and a pair of KM84s on top. He also had a U67 in the room to capture some of the organ's ambience. “Sometimes we took a direct out of the organ and sent that through a guitar amp to get a little more edge and bite,” he adds.

See how Prince uses Hammond B-3

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

Prince

...
Verified via Andrea Mai

Prince used a Hammond B-3 organ, which is featured in several of his concert films, including "Rave Un2 The Year 2000" and "Prince Live At The Aladdin Las Vegas." Although the specific model is uncertain, some suggest it might be a Hammond XK-5 SKX. Photos from Andrea Mai's article on Paisley Park provide further insight into Prince's gear collection.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Hammond B-3

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In an interview with Music Radar, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Josh Klinghoffer is asked if the band can play their song Puncture live, to which he replies:

"Yeah, yeah. We got bold and opened with it when we played a couple of years ago. It's a lot of fun. Clint fills up a lot of space on the guitar live, but there's a lot of Hammond B-3 in there and a few other keyboard things. Every time we do it, it's different. I can't wait to play live again, and hopefully do more than one show in a week."

See how John Paul Jones uses Hammond B-3

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from a Led Zeppelin concert, John Paul Jones can be seen with a Hammond B-3 to his right. He often toured with either a Hammond B-3 or C-3 with Led Zeppelin.

Other instruments/keyboards in the photo include a Fender-Rhodes Mark I Stage Piano, Fender Bass Pedals, and a Mellotron.

See how Gary Moore uses Hammond B-3

Gary Moore

Guitarist, Singer

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via Bonhams

GARY MOORE: A HAMMOND C3 ORGAN, circa 1965/66, serial no. 92289, with Leslie 122 cabinet, bass pedals, Hammond bench, Leslie combo pedal and cables, with spare JBL speaker drivers, housed in three flight cases Note a piè di pagina Originally bought for the 1990 'Still Got The Blues' tour and featured on nearly every tour Gary undertook subsequently. It has been played by Don Airey, Tommy Eyre and Vic Martin and has been documented on the following VHS or DVD releases: An Evening Of The Blues, VHS, 1990, Live in London Blues For Greeny, VHS, 1995, Live at Sheperds Bush Empire Live Blues, 1993, Live in London Live At Montreux, 1995, 1999 and 2001 And the CD releases: After Hours, 1992 Blues Alive, 1993 BBM, Around The Next Dream, 1994 Blues For Greeny, 1995 Back To The Blues, 2001 Old New Ballads And Blues, 2006 Close As You Get, 2007 Bad For You Baby, 2009 Live At Bush Hall, 2007, released 2014, and countless tours across Europe since 1990.

The organ has had EP6 connectors fitted, replacing the old-style 11 pin connectors, which were not made for touring. 2 x EP6 cables are in the set up, allowing for a spare cable, or one long cable, to enable the Leslie cabinet be played in a quieter corner of a stage, or even a side room, if needed. The Leslie cabinet has had the reverb unit removed, adapted to EP6 connectors, upgraded to EL34 output valves (achieving an additional 3 to 4 watts of output) and the valve relay replaced with a solid stage unit. The original speakers have been replaced with a 15inch JBL speaker and horn unit. 2 x spare horn diaphragms are included. The conversion was undertaken by Bill Dunne of W. Dunne & Co., a company based in Islington (London) that had been servicing and repairing keyboard instruments for more than 30 years. Also included is a Bill Dunne combo pedal/preamp, which connects to and controls the Leslie speaker, so that any instrument - guitar, electric piano, synthesiser or even a vocal - can be played through the revolving speaker. The organ unit has had the original 2 pin mains replaced with the safer 3 pin version and a 1/4 inch jack socket fitted, so the organ sound can be recorded directly from the organ, without the need for a Leslie cabinet.?

See how Justice uses Hammond B-3

Justice

Music Producer

Justice vs. Simian

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:16 of the "Audio, Video, Disco" music video.

See how Rob Scallon uses Hammond B-3

Rob Scallon

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via YouTube

In his YouTube video titled "My Instrument Collection," Rob Scallon showcases the Hammond B-3 organ as part of his gear lineup.

See how Julien Baker uses Hammond B-3

Julien Baker

Singer, Guitarist

boygenius

...
Verified via reverb.com

I think the thing that was the most fun to play around with was the old B3 organ with a Leslie speaker. We used that for "Televangelist" and "Everything To Help You Sleep," and it was really cool to just have a vintage instrument like that around to play with.

See how Noah "40" Shebib uses Hammond B-3

Noah "40" Shebib

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"I also have Bryston and Crown amps. There's a Pro Tools HD rig and all my other toys and keyboards, like a [Hammond] B3 and a Wurlitzer and my Studiologic Numa 88-key MIDI controller, which is my pride and joy."

See how Kraftwerk uses Hammond B-3

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Kraftwerkfaq

Kraftwerk has utilized the Hammond B-3 organ as part of their diverse instrument lineup, as documented in the Kraftwerk FAQ.

See how Richard Wright uses Hammond B-3

Richard Wright

Singer, Keyboardist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Photo

According to this article, Wright used a Hammond C-3 Organ and Leslie speakers throughout his career with Pink Floyd.

Full article here.

See how Steve Albini uses Hammond B-3

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

...
Verified via YouTube

At 11:28, Steve shows his Hammond organ that had the top of the organ itself chopped off. He explained it used to be used for touring.

Album Usage

The Hammond B-3 has been featured on the following albums:

Hammond B-3 as heard on Green Onions (62’ Onions Cut) by Booker T. Jones (2025)

Green Onions (62’ Onions Cut)

Booker T. Jones (2025)

Hammond B-3 as heard on A Charlie Brown Christmas (2022 Mix) by Vince Guaraldi Trio (2022)

A Charlie Brown Christmas (2022 Mix)

Vince Guaraldi Trio (2022)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Chunks & Chairknobs by Jon Herington & Jim Beard (2019)

Chunks & Chairknobs

Jon Herington & Jim Beard (2019)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Hasta la Raíz (Edición Especial) by Natalia Lafourcade (2015)

Hasta la Raíz (Edición Especial)

Natalia Lafourcade (2015)

Hammond B-3 as heard on A Charlie Brown Christmas [2012 Remastered & Expanded Edition] by Vince Guaraldi Trio (2012)

A Charlie Brown Christmas [2012 Remastered & Expanded Edition]

Vince Guaraldi Trio (2012)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Audio, Video, Disco. by Justice (2011)

Audio, Video, Disco.

Justice (2011)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Good Lovin' (Performed live on The Ed Sullivan Show/1966) by The Rascals (2010)

Good Lovin' (Performed live on The Ed Sullivan Show/1966)

The Rascals (2010)

Hammond B-3 as heard on The Most Exciting Organ Ever by Billy Preston (2007)

The Most Exciting Organ Ever

Billy Preston (2007)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Descended Like Vultures by Rogue Wave (2005)

Descended Like Vultures

Rogue Wave (2005)

Hammond B-3 as heard on The Beekeeper by Tori Amos (2005)

The Beekeeper

Tori Amos (2005)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Sinfonía Para Adolescentes by Sui Generis (2000)

Sinfonía Para Adolescentes

Sui Generis (2000)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Where We Come From by Vital Information (1998)

Where We Come From

Vital Information (1998)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Bringing Down The Horse by The Wallflowers (1996)

Bringing Down The Horse

The Wallflowers (1996)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Four by Blues Traveler (1994)

Four

Blues Traveler (1994)

Hammond B-3 as heard on The Wallflowers by The Wallflowers (1992)

The Wallflowers

The Wallflowers (1992)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Shake Your Money Maker by The Black Crowes (1990)

Shake Your Money Maker

The Black Crowes (1990)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Our Favourite Shop by The Style Council (1985)

Our Favourite Shop

The Style Council (1985)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Departure by Journey (1980)

Departure

Journey (1980)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Evolution by Journey (1979)

Evolution

Journey (1979)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Infinity by Journey (1978)

Infinity

Journey (1978)

Hammond B-3 as heard on The Grand Illusion by Styx (1977)

The Grand Illusion

Styx (1977)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Next by Journey (1977)

Next

Journey (1977)

Hammond B-3 as heard on One More From The Road (Live / Deluxe Edition) by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1976)

One More From The Road (Live / Deluxe Edition)

Lynyrd Skynyrd (1976)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Look Into The Future by Journey (1976)

Look Into The Future

Journey (1976)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Larry Young's Fuel by Larry Young (1975)

Larry Young's Fuel

Larry Young (1975)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Journey by Journey (1975)

Journey

Journey (1975)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd (Expanded Edition) by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)

Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd (Expanded Edition)

Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers (1973)

Catch A Fire

Bob Marley & The Wailers (1973)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Burnin' by Bob Marley & The Wailers (1973)

Burnin'

Bob Marley & The Wailers (1973)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Moving Waves by Focus (1971)

Moving Waves

Focus (1971)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Naturally by Three Dog Night (1970)

Naturally

Three Dog Night (1970)

Hammond B-3 as heard on In The Court Of The Crimson King (Expanded & Remastered Original Album Mix) by King Crimson (1969)

In The Court Of The Crimson King (Expanded & Remastered Original Album Mix)

King Crimson (1969)

Hammond B-3 as heard on In The Groove by Marvin Gaye (1968)

In The Groove

Marvin Gaye (1968)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Steppenwolf by Steppenwolf (1968)

Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf (1968)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Reach Out by Four Tops (1967)

Reach Out

Four Tops (1967)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Wildest Organ In Town! by Billy Preston (1966)

Wildest Organ In Town!

Billy Preston (1966)

Hammond B-3 as heard on Mary Wells Sings My Guy by Mary Wells (1964)

Mary Wells Sings My Guy

Mary Wells (1964)

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hammond B-3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Hohner Clavinet D6
Hohner Clavinet D6 Vintage & Electric Pianos
10
Mellotron M400
Mellotron M400 Vintage & Electric Pianos
6
Fender Rhodes (General)
Fender Rhodes (General) Vintage & Electric Pianos
6
Leslie 122 Speaker Cabinet
Leslie 122 Speaker Cabinet Keyboard Amplifiers
5
Yamaha CS-80
Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizers
5
Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
4

Community setups

Show yours
bios7

bios7

Gear IQ 97

mike_pyne

mike_pyne

Gear IQ 165

More Hammond Organs

Hammond Xk5

$3,214.79 - $3,900.00

# 3

Rank

Jordan Rudess Mike Barson Chuck Leavell
7 artists using
Hammond Sk1

$1,200.00

# 5

Rank

John Paul Jones Rick Wakeman Nicolas Jaar
9 artists using
Hammond XK-3c

$931.94

# 8

Rank

Dizzy Reed Rod Argent ryo (supercell)
12 artists using
Hammond XB-2

$600.00

# 11

Rank

Thom Yorke Madlib Rick Wakeman
15 artists using
Hammond A-100 Organ

 

# 14

Rank

Jon Lord Don Airey Benmont Tench
15 artists using
Hammond SK2 Organ

$1,810.02

# 15

Rank

Sam Kiszka Bernie Worrell Angel Olsen
5 artists using
Hammond XK1C

$1,084.36 - $1,769.00

# 19

Rank

 
Hammond XK-5 Heritage Pro System

$3,900.00 - $10,320.00

# 20

Rank

Mark Stein
1 artist using
Hammond XK-4

$2,299.00 - $2,495.00

# 23

Rank

 
Hammond XK-1

$304.99 - $855.00

# 26

Rank

Nobuo Uematsu Ferdy Doernberg
2 artists using
Hammond XK-5 Heritage Series

$3,214.79 - $10,320.00

# 39

Rank

Jonathan Cain Adam Wakeman Buck Johnson
3 artists using
Hammond Skx

$2,900.00 - $3,995.00

# 40

Rank

 
Hammond C-3

$3,100.00

# 51

Rank

Paul McCartney George Harrison Elliott Smith
45 artists using
Hammond M-100 Organ

$1,000.00

# 68

Rank

John Paul Jones Benmont Tench Thijs van Leer
5 artists using
Hammond M-102

$1,000.00

# 80

Rank

Jonny Greenwood Richard Wright Steve Winwood
5 artists using
Hammond M
# 82

Rank

Karen Grotberg
1 artist using
Hammond P-100

 

# 87

Rank

Gregg Giuffria
1 artist using
Hammond X5

$750.00

# 92

Rank

Robin Piso
1 artist using
Hammond RT3

$85.60 - $1,800.00

 
Paul McCartney Richard Wright Ringo Starr
4 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar