Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
Videos
American Music World Pianos
Hammond B3 Organ Blues
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
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 23 Ratings
2423
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.
75
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...
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.?
In his YouTube video titled "My Instrument Collection," Rob Scallon showcases the Hammond B-3 organ as part of his gear lineup.
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.
"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."
Kraftwerk has utilized the Hammond B-3 organ as part of their diverse instrument lineup, as documented in the Kraftwerk FAQ.
Album Usage
The Hammond B-3 has been featured on the following albums:
Green Onions (62’ Onions Cut)
Booker T. Jones (2025)
A Charlie Brown Christmas (2022 Mix)
Vince Guaraldi Trio (2022)
Chunks & Chairknobs
Jon Herington & Jim Beard (2019)
Hasta la Raíz (Edición Especial)
Natalia Lafourcade (2015)
A Charlie Brown Christmas [2012 Remastered & Expanded Edition]
Vince Guaraldi Trio (2012)
Audio, Video, Disco.
Justice (2011)
Good Lovin' (Performed live on The Ed Sullivan Show/1966)
The Rascals (2010)
The Most Exciting Organ Ever
Billy Preston (2007)
Descended Like Vultures
Rogue Wave (2005)
The Beekeeper
Tori Amos (2005)
Sinfonía Para Adolescentes
Sui Generis (2000)
Where We Come From
Vital Information (1998)
Bringing Down The Horse
The Wallflowers (1996)
Four
Blues Traveler (1994)
The Wallflowers
The Wallflowers (1992)
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes (1990)
Our Favourite Shop
The Style Council (1985)
Departure
Journey (1980)
Evolution
Journey (1979)
Infinity
Journey (1978)
The Grand Illusion
Styx (1977)
Next
Journey (1977)
One More From The Road (Live / Deluxe Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1976)
Look Into The Future
Journey (1976)
Larry Young's Fuel
Larry Young (1975)
Journey
Journey (1975)
Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd (Expanded Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers (1973)
Burnin'
Bob Marley & The Wailers (1973)
Moving Waves
Focus (1971)
Naturally
Three Dog Night (1970)
In The Court Of The Crimson King (Expanded & Remastered Original Album Mix)
King Crimson (1969)
In The Groove
Marvin Gaye (1968)
Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf (1968)
Reach Out
Four Tops (1967)
Wildest Organ In Town!
Billy Preston (1966)
Mary Wells Sings My Guy
Mary Wells (1964)
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-3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Hammond Organs
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Most Popular Organs
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
Mmuzik4machinesGear IQ 359
-