Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Average Price: $3,100
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 C-3, a classic instrument that resonates with vintage charm and exquisite craftsmanship. This organ finds its roots in the iconic B3 model, but is gracefully housed in a C-type cabinet that adds an extra layer of sophistication. The Hammond C-3 is available in two elegant finishes, walnut and oak, each adding a unique aesthetic appeal to this timeless instrument. With its rich tones and classic design, it's an invaluable addition to any musician's collection, promising to deliver a profound and unforgettable musical experience.
Key Features:
- Inspired by the iconic B3 model
- Housed in a sophisticated C-type cabinet
- Available in Walnut and Oak finishes
- Delivers rich, vintage tones
- Classic design and superior craftsmanship
Product specs
| Brand | Hammond |
| Model | C3 |
| Finish | Natural |
| 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 C-3 different from the B-3 model?
-
The Hammond C-3 is essentially the same as the B-3 in terms of sound and features, but it has a full wooden cabinet, making it more suited for church and home use where aesthetics are important.
-
Does the Hammond C-3 require a Leslie speaker for optimal sound?
-
While the Hammond C-3 can be played without a Leslie speaker, pairing it with a Leslie greatly enhances its iconic sound, adding dynamic tremolo and vibrato effects that are highly sought after.
-
How many keys does the Hammond C-3 have, and what is the key action like?
-
The Hammond C-3 features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a smooth and responsive playing experience typical of classic Hammond organs.
-
Is the Hammond C-3 suitable for live performances?
-
The Hammond C-3 is renowned for its rich, full sound and is a staple in live performances, especially in jazz, rock, and gospel genres, although its size and weight may require careful transportation planning.
-
What is the primary sound characteristic of the Hammond C-3?
-
The Hammond C-3 is celebrated for its warm, rich tones and the ability to produce complex harmonics, making it a favorite for creating lush soundscapes and soulful solos.
Videos
GigiAO28
Hammond C3 Beast sound (Jon Lord - Deep Purple)
Hammond C3 Beast sound (Jon Lord - Deep Purple)
GigiAO28
Old Gal 57 Hammond C3 with 122 Leslie Groove
Patrik Gudmundsäter
Comparing A-100, B3 and C3 Hammond Organs
Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International
Berklee College Of Music - Hammond C3 with Dave Limina
Dylan James Shaw
Hammond C3 Organ Demonstration with special guest Don Shinn
Vintage Keys Studio
Everything you need to know about the Hammond C3 organ (Part 1 of 2)
Nick Foley UK - Hammond for Hire
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hammond C-3.
Mods and upgrades
-
Some C-3 models have been retrofitted with a 3-series preamp, providing full 3-series functionality via cheekblock switches.
Source -
It's possible to modify a 6-pin Leslie connector to a 9-pin for better compatibility with different Leslie models.
Source -
Modifications may include replacing the matching transformer with a dual transformer from a 2 or 3 series model to enable selectable vibrato.
Source
Value and pricing
-
A PR-40 tone cabinet may require only minimal investment compared to a Leslie, providing an interim solution for new Hammond C-3 owners.
Source
User experience
-
Reconing old speakers is an option, but costs might match purchasing new ones, making replacement a practical consideration.
Source -
Owners note that the PR-40 tone cabinet is often available for under $50 with regional price variation, making it an affordable option for many.
Source -
Despite advances in digital emulations, the physical experience and sound of a real Hammond console remain unmatched for many organists.
Source -
The C-3 is preferred for its gothic cabinet design, providing more presence and being a staple of British rock bands.
Source
Features and functionality
-
A Leslie speaker, especially models like 122 or 147, is crucial for capturing the classic Hammond sound with its rotating horn and rotor.
Source -
Original 82-tone generators in early CVs can be identified by a blank section on the terminal strip and produce different bass tones compared to 91-tone generators.
Source -
An early CV cabinet may include a wooden line box, wooden expression pedal, and unique woodwork, indicating its pre-1947 origins.
Source -
The A-100 model includes internal speakers and reverb, offering more versatility than the C-3 and B-3, which have identical sounds but different cabinets.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
If the startup motor grinds, letting it sit with Hammond oil and holding a chord while spinning the motor can help alleviate the issue.
Source -
Regular maintenance includes oiling the organ annually with Hammond oil, essential for the tonewheel generator's longevity.
Source -
Properly securing the generator's T-screws is crucial when moving the organ to avoid catastrophic damage.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
Some owners replace a traditional Leslie 122 with a Leslie pedal for direct recording, finding the tone satisfactory when paired with quality monitors.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 8 Ratings
94
The ultimate organ sound
If you are looking for a real organ sound and not a bad synth imitation, this organ is made for you. Like Hammond said: "The sound, the soul, the one"
Hammond C-3 with Leslie 122
Had this through the 70s with my old band
41029
the church version, right on!
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo Alan has his hand on the Hammond.
At the 4 minute and 2 seconds mark of Europe's "Let The Good Times Rock" music video, Gunnar Mathias Michaeli can be seen playing a Hammond C-3.
Andy uses more than one keyboard on stage including the Hammond C3 Organ. He has a Leslie speaker for the Hammond Organ, which is kept at the back of the stage - Official Quo site.
Jürgen Fritz is credited with playing a Hammond C-3 organ in the liner notes of the album "Pompeii" by New Triumvirat, as documented on Discogs.
In this image (linear notes of the album) Watkins plays the Hammond C-3
From the artists website: https://www.lachydoley.com
MY GEAR My beautiful 57 Hammond C3 (Clover Leaf) –> BK Butler TUBE DRIVER –> Leslie 145 Hohner d6 Clavinet fitted with the Castle Bar Whammy System –> Cry Baby Wah –> Harris Tremolo –> 4×10 Fender Devil
In this Godbluff live performance from 1975, Hugh Bantons Hammond organ with additional reverse coloured keys can be seen at 32:58. In this forum, it is mentioned that he used a C-3 (and not a B-3 or A-100): https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/van-der-graaf-generator-and-peter-hammill-album-thread.1183520/page-82.
Roby Facchinetti has probably been the first user of this particular model of electric organ. In this picture it's possible to see him playing Hammond C3 in the famous "Noi due nel mondo e nell'Anima"
Eloy Fritsch use the Hammond Organ to recorded the Apocalypse Live in USA album.
Vincent Crane is credited with using a Hammond C-3 organ, as noted in the liner notes of Atomic Rooster's self-titled 1980 album.
Album Usage
The Hammond C-3 has been featured on the following albums:
Dragons and Wizards
Eloy Fritsch (2025)
Parsifal - L'uomo delle stelle
Roby Facchinetti (2025)
Starship Trooper
Rick Wakeman (2016)
The Complete BBC Sessions (Remastered)
Led Zeppelin (2016)
Figure 8
Elliott Smith (2000)
XO
Elliott Smith (1998)
Godbluff
Van der Graaf Generator (1975)
The Six Wives Of Henry VIII
Rick Wakeman (1973)
Led Zeppelin III (Remaster)
Led Zeppelin (1970)
Atomic Rooster
Atomic Rooster (1970)
Led Zeppelin II (Remaster)
Led Zeppelin (1969)
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 C-3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Hammond Organs
$3,179.29 - $3,900.00
in Organs Rank
$2,599.00 - $2,995.00
in Organs Rank
$3,900.00 - $10,320.00
in Organs Rank
$350.74 - $941.12
in Organs Rank
$1,160.71
in Organs Rank
$2,155.00 - $2,495.00
in Organs Rank
$3,179.29 - $10,320.00
in Organs Rank
$239.00 - $3,995.00
in Organs Rank
$7,295.00 - $8,790.00
in Organs Rank
.jpeg?v=1783065966)
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Most Popular Organs
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
juliantardoGear IQ 70
-
