Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,795

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$799

$2000+

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Standard

High-end

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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.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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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 Vangelis uses Hammond B-3

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Vangelis & The Future Sound of London

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Vangelis can be seen at Nemo Studios surrounded with studio equipment, including a Hammond B3.

See how Bootsy Collins uses Hammond B-3

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Mentioned in this November 23, 2017 Premier Guitar interview.

Are your guitars recorded direct to the board or do you have guitar amps and effects set up in your studio as well?

I got amps and I got direct. I got the old 50-watt Ampeg with the two 12s. I mean, you name it. The old Epiphone, the old Gibson, the old Fender Twin Reverb—all that old stuff, I got it. I got the B-3 organ. I mean, fully blown. Musicians come in and have a field day. It’s like having a studio with things you can touch. These are things you can actually get on and play. And I don’t care what era a musician was brought up in, when he’s able to sit down, jam, mess around, and experiment—when he can do that—that’s when he fully gets a chance to open up with his own self-expression and beat it out of himself. I think it’s very important to be able to beat it out, because otherwise you sit there and play with yourself. And I just don’t like playing with myself like that [laughs].

See how Pretty Lights uses Hammond B-3

Pretty Lights

Bassist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

A Color Map of the Sun Credits

See how Cory Henry uses Hammond B-3

Cory Henry

Singer, Keyboardist

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Cory Henry can be seen playing a Hammond B3 organ.

See how Tom Waits uses Hammond B-3

Tom Waits

Singer, Guitarist

Roy Orbison And Friends

...
Verified via Tomwaitsfan

The bass pedals were used for the bassline of "Hang On St. Christopher" and "Straight to the Top (Rhumba)", as documented on this page from the website Tom Waits Library.

TW (1987): "Little Jamaican shoeshine music, there (Hang On St. Christopher). Kind of a depraved Vaudeville train announcer. Ummm. . . It was really great to see Bill Schimmel, classically trained at Juilliard, on his hands and knees, playing the pedals of the B-3 organ with his fists. Working up a sweat. It was worth it just for that. Has kind of a little bit of a North African horn action going on --- that's Ralph Carney and Greg Cohen." (Source: "From the set of Ironweed, Tom Waits talks with Rip Rense" New York Post: Rip Rense. Early 1987)

MR (1987): "Cohorts include guitarist Marc Ribot, percussionist Michael Blair, bassist and horn arranger Greg Cohen, Ralph Camey on saxophone and William Schimmel on a variety of equipment, from accordion to Leslie bass pedals. Waits' instruments include pump organ, guitar, mellotron, even something called the optigon." (Source: "Tom Waits is flying upside down (on purpose)" Musician: Mark Rowland. October, 1987)

TW (1987): "I want to take the Leslie bass pedals and raise them up to a kitchen table so you can play them with your fists (on stage). Which is what we did in the studio on "Hang On St. Christopher."* I'm trying to put together the right way of seeing the music. I worry about these things. If I didn't, it would be easier.*" (Source: "Tom Waits is flying upside down (on purpose)" Musician: Mark Rowland. October, 1987)

Q (1987): Still, a bassline played using the footpedals of a Hammond organ? TW: "I used upright bass for so long, it's hard for me to find an electric bass that I like," he explains. "So that was the closest I could get. It's like a drum with a note in it, you know, real fat and out of focus. Bill Schimmel, the accordion player, played them with his hands. I'm thinking of taking them on the road and raising them to the level of a marimba." (Source: "Better Waits Than Ever" Music & Sound Output: Bill Forman. Vol. 7, No. 11. October, 1987)

TW (1987): "Things that happened in those sessions were really good. Especially when people were playing instruments they weren't familiar with. I had Ralph Carney, the sax player, on several cuts where he played three saxes at once. And then Bill Schimmel playing the pedals, Greg Cohen playing alto horn... Sometimes approaching an instrument you're unfamiliar with, the discovery process is good."(Source: "Better Waits Than Ever" Music & Sound Output: Bill Forman. Vol. 7, No. 11. October, 1987)

See how Ray Manzarek uses Hammond B-3

Ray Manzarek

Singer, Keyboardist

The Doors

...
Verified via Thedoorsguide

In 1971, Ray acquires a Hammond B3 Portable Organ (a Bill Beer "chop") for use on the Post-Morrison tours. He can be seen playing it during the band's appearances on Beat-Club and The Old Grey Whistle Test. It becomes his main touring instrument along with the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano through 1972.

See how Rick Beato uses Hammond B-3

Rick Beato

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In his YouTube video "TOP 20 KEYBOARD INTROS OF ALL TIME," Rick Beato features the Hammond B-3, showcasing its use in several of his videos.

See how Steve Winwood uses Hammond B-3

Steve Winwood

Singer, Guitarist

The Spencer Davis Group

...
Verified via YouTube

"As the band exploded into the opening notes, Steve Winwood, seated behind his famous Hammond B3 organ"

Steven Dandick The Space at Westbury / Westbury, NY Live Show Reviews | May 29th, 2015

See how Jon Lord uses Hammond B-3

Jon Lord

Keyboardist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Jon Lord talks about his Hammond B3. These are the most common drawbar settings (for "the beast" sound):

  • The first four (lower) drawbars near maximum or maximum
  • The last two (higher) drawbars on 1, 2 or 3, depending on the amplification and acoustics of the environment.
  • Al the other 3 middle drawbars on minimum or mute.

It would be something like (in values): 888800022

See how Stephen Stills uses Hammond B-3

Stephen Stills

Singer, Guitarist

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Stephen Stills can be seen playing a Hammond B3 organ. The B3 was Stills's most frequently used keyboard.

See how Charly García uses Hammond B-3

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via Photo

In the inner booklet of "Sinfonía para adolescentes," Charly García is listed as playing the Hammond B-3 organ.

See how Tom Scholz uses Hammond B-3

Tom Scholz

Guitarist, Bassist

Boston

...
Verified via YouTube

Tom Scholz on His Hammond B3 Organ.

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
Fender Rhodes (General)
Fender Rhodes (General) Vintage & Electric Pianos
6
Mellotron M400
Mellotron M400 Vintage & Electric Pianos
6
Yamaha CS-80
Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizers
5
Leslie 122 Speaker Cabinet
Leslie 122 Speaker Cabinet Keyboard Amplifiers
5
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
4

Community setups

Show yours
bios7

bios7

Gear IQ 97

mike_pyne

mike_pyne

Gear IQ 165

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