Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $178

Budget/Beginner

$799

$2000+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time with the Hammond M-3 Organ, a classic piece that has earned its place in the annals of musical history. Known affectionately as the "baby B3," this vintage organ delivers the iconic Hammond sound with a full set of 12 drawbars that allow for intricate tonal manipulation. With a dual manual setup of 44 keys each, the M-3 offers a comprehensive range for both bass and melody, making it a versatile choice for a variety of musical genres, from jazz to rock.

The M-3 Organ features a tonewheel generator, a hallmark of the traditional Hammond sound, producing rich and warm tones that have captivated audiences for decades. The built-in tube amplifier enhances its sound output, providing a natural overdrive that is well-loved by musicians. This organ also includes a built-in speaker, ensuring that its sound is both full-bodied and immersive, whether you're practicing at home or performing in a small venue.

A favorite of both amateur and professional musicians, the Hammond M-3 is celebrated for its robust build and dependability. Its presence in your setup will not only add a touch of vintage charm but also a level of sound quality that has stood the test of time.

Key Features:

  • Dual manual setup with 44 keys each
  • 12 drawbars for extensive sound customization
  • Tonewheel generator for classic Hammond sound
  • Built-in tube amplifier for natural overdrive
  • Integrated speaker for rich sound output
  • Vintage design with iconic build quality

Product specs

Brand Hammond
Model M3 Organ
Finish Natural
Year 1955 - 1964
Made In United States
Categories Organs
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 44 Keys

FAQs

What makes the Hammond M-3 Organ unique compared to other Hammond models?

The Hammond M-3 Organ is often referred to as the "Baby B3" due to its similar tonewheel sound engine but in a more compact form, featuring 44 keys and a built-in speaker, making it ideal for smaller spaces.

Is the Hammond M-3 Organ suitable for live performances?

While the Hammond M-3 Organ has a rich, authentic tone, its built-in speaker and smaller size make it more suitable for home use or small venues rather than larger live performances.

Does the Hammond M-3 Organ require regular maintenance?

Yes, like other vintage Hammond organs, the M-3 requires regular maintenance such as oiling the tone generator and ensuring the mechanical parts are in good condition to maintain its classic sound.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Hammond M-3 Organ?

The Hammond M-3 Organ delivers the classic Hammond tone with warm, full-bodied sounds, making it perfect for genres like jazz, blues, and gospel.

Can the Hammond M-3 Organ be connected to an external Leslie speaker?

Yes, the Hammond M-3 can be connected to an external Leslie speaker, enhancing its sound with the iconic Leslie rotary effect for a more dynamic performance.

Harold Branch

Harold Branch

Chopped Hammond M3 organ Super Short Leslie Speaker 145

Video thumbnail for Chopped Hammond M3 organ Super Short Leslie Speaker 145 by Harold Branch

Chopped Hammond M3 organ Super Short Leslie Speaker 145

Harold Branch

Harold Branch

Video thumbnail for Hammond M3 Organ - Tour and Demo by AI6YR

Hammond M3 Organ - Tour and Demo

AI6YR

AI6YR

Video thumbnail for Hammond M3 organ with foldback and left hand bass demonstration (organ solo) by Dan ''Spiffy'' Neuman

Hammond M3 organ with foldback and left hand bass demonstration (organ solo)

Dan ''Spiffy'' Neuman

Dan ''Spiffy'' Neuman

Video thumbnail for HAMMOND M3 and NeoVentilator from BlackHAMMOND.com! by blackhammond

HAMMOND M3 and NeoVentilator from BlackHAMMOND.com!

blackhammond

blackhammond

Video thumbnail for Theres a Hammond M3 in my studio! by Nick Foley UK - Hammond for Hire

Theres a Hammond M3 in my studio!

Nick Foley UK - Hammond for Hire

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 M-3 Organ.

Value and pricing

  • Prices can range from $500 to $700 if in good condition, but check online platforms like eBay and Reverb for current valuations.

    Source
  • M3 is considered a fantastic deal for under $500, often viewed as an affordable entry into electro-mechanical keyboards.

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  • Often comes with a rotary speaker, enhancing its appeal and usability for those looking for a complete organ experience without additional purchases.

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  • M3 units can be found for as low as $350, with minor maintenance needs like oiling, though some organs might be free if immediate pickup is required.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The M3 has an 11-watt built-in speaker and power amp, but lacks a Leslie speaker which is crucial for some organ enthusiasts.

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  • The M3 is frequently appreciated for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for organ enthusiasts and beginners alike.

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  • The M3 features waterfall keys, contributing to its similarity with the B-3, while the M103 has tabs above the keyboard for percussion and vibrato controls.

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  • The M103 includes a separate reverb amplifier and some preset sounds, offering more traditional organ layout features compared to the M3.

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Comparisons

  • The M3 is often compared to the B3 but lacks the lower range in the pedal keys and manual, affecting bass playing capabilities.

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  • The M3 is referred to as a "Baby B," sharing mechanical similarities like percussion and vibrato with the B-3, unlike the M100 series with simpler tonewheel generators.

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Use cases and applications

  • Many famous 60s and 70s rock albums feature the M3, highlighting its classic sound despite its limitations in lower range.

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  • Tom Scholz used a modified M3 with a shoelace tied around the generator shaft for a unique transposition effect on Boston's "Smokin'."

    Source

User experience

  • Some organ collectors own multiple units, showcasing the M3's appeal and the trend of acquiring these organs due to their availability and value.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Removing the M3's original amp and installing a B-3 preamp can enhance its sound, closely mimicking the B-3 experience.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stewart Copeland uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Stewart Copeland

Singer, Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:45 of this video, Copeland talks about his Hammond M-3.

See how Tommy Bolin uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Tommy Bolin

Guitarist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via Treblebooster

Welcome to all you Tommy Bolin fans! If you want to know more about the equipment of Tommy Bolin and how to achieve his sound, read this article by ’treblebooster’.

The article quotes: 'Tommy later also had a Hammond M3 organ and he would trade off guitar and organ playing, being heavily influenced by Jimmy Smith and he became more involved with the jazz style of playing, which was a major early influence on him.'

See how Butch Walker uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Butch Walker

Singer, Guitarist

Train

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "EPIC HOME STUDIO Setup 2022 | Butch Walker (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters on YouTube, Butch Walker is seen using a Hammond M-3 Organ at the timestamp 10:54, and he discusses its use further at 29:41.

See how Mike Kennerty uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Mike Kennerty

Guitarist, Music Producer

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via YouTube

mike recorded the bass pedals on the m3 for Mona Lisa

See how Robert Lamm uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Robert Lamm

Singer, Keyboardist

Chicago

...
Verified via Chicagohome

"We needed another singer for me to be able to comp on my Hammond M-3 and bass pedals. I was singing at the same time, and sometimes also playing the Wurlitzer, and I was getting schizophrenic, just trying to do all that stuff. So we finally had a bass player, who sang his ass off. He worked out very well."

See how Booker T. Jones uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Booker T. Jones

Keyboardist

Delaney & Bonnie and Friends

...
Verified via Stax Museum

Common knoweldge among organists that it's an M3, you can actually see it in the Stax Records museum in Memphis

See how Rick van der Linden uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Rick van der Linden

Keyboardist, Composer

Ekseption

...
Verified via YouTube

An Hammond M-3 can be seen in this live video of the band from 1970

See how Paul DeFiglia uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Paul DeFiglia

Keyboardist

The Avett Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

Paul Defiglia posted on instagram: "I am now a proud owner of a Hammond M-3 organ!"

See how Lennart Temmink uses Hammond M-3 Organ

Lennart Temmink

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Lennart Temmink can be seen here playing a Hammond M3. This is his go-to live organ.

Album Usage

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

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 M-3 Organ, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Harmony Stella
Harmony Stella Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Fender '57 Champ
Fender '57 Champ Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
AEA R88
AEA R88 Ribbon Microphones
1
Soyuz SU-023 Bomblet Condenser
Soyuz SU-023 Bomblet Condenser Condenser Microphones
1
Vox Super Beatle V1141 / V1142
Vox Super Beatle V1141 / V1142 Guitar Amplifier Stacks
1
PMC 6-2
PMC 6-2 Active & Passive Monitors
1

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