Photo of Hammond B-3 and more gear in a live and synths

Hammond B-3

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$2,795.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (23)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Hammond B-3 mk2

$26,950.00

Find out who is using Hammond B-3

2 community setups

47 wishlisted

78 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$2,795.00 24 available Used

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Average Price: $2,795

High-end/Boutique

$799

$2000+

Price Tier

In the Organs category, Hammond B-3 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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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

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American Music World Pianos

Hammond B3 Organ Blues

American Music World Pianos

B3 Boogie - Hammond B3 with Davenport Masterclass leslie 770

Andreas Hellkvist

Hammond B3 FUNK

MalcDeakin

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

ThePianoforever

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

Normans Rare Guitars

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

hans1970

Steve Winwood: Lesson on the Hammond B-3

GNAV TV

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

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

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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

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Original Hammond tonewheels rely on precise magnetic field interactions, with 91 steel tonewheels made to very tight tolerances that current technology struggles to replicate.
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B-3 organs have a 27-note radiating pedalboard, centered under the keyboards, distinguishing them from the M-100's 13-pedal straight layout.
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Features and functionality

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

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

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New digital "clonewheel" organs, like the UAD Waterfall B3, offer impressive emulation but lack the authentic analog sound of original B-3s.
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M-100 series organs are classified as spinet organs with different electronics, impacting sound depth compared to the B-3's rich tonal output.
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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.
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T-series organs, while having tonewheel generators and vibrato scanners, diverge from B-3 sound due to solid-state amps.
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Use cases and applications

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

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

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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.
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Mods and upgrades

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

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peasinafookinpod420

2423

over 6 years ago

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.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Drummer

Genres:

Grunge Noise rock Sleaze rock

jerry_lowery

about 10 years ago

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

about 9 years ago

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.