Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $943

Standard/Professional

$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

The Hammond RT3 is a revered instrument for musicians who cherish the rich, classic tones of traditional organs. This model is a part of the historic Hammond line, which has been synonymous with soulful, expressive music since the 1930s. Featuring a full set of 61 keys and 25 pedals, the RT3 provides a versatile platform for both beginners and seasoned players to explore complex harmonic and melodic textures. Its unique drawbar system allows for detailed customization of sound, giving you the ability to tailor your music to any genre or mood.

The RT3 is equipped with the classic Hammond tonewheel generator, delivering the warm, authentic sound that has been a staple in jazz, rock, and gospel music for decades. An integrated vibrato and chorus system further enhances sound modulation, offering a dynamic range of auditory possibilities. The instrument's robust construction ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for studio recording and live performances alike.

With its deep, resonant tones and intricate sound-shaping capabilities, the Hammond RT3 is more than just an organ; it's a gateway to musical innovation and creativity. Whether you're composing a new piece or performing a timeless classic, this organ offers the authentic sound and expressive range that Hammond is known for.

Key Features:

  • Full 61-key manual and 25 pedals for comprehensive playability
  • Classic Hammond tonewheel generator for authentic sound
  • Unique drawbar system for customizable tonal quality
  • Integrated vibrato and chorus for enhanced sound modulation
  • Robust construction suitable for both studio and live settings

Product specs

Brand Hammond
Model Hammond RT3 Organ
Finish Natural
Year 1955 - 1973
Made In United States
Categories Organs
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys

FAQs

What is the difference between the Hammond RT3 and the Hammond B3?

The Hammond RT3 is similar to the B3, but it features a built-in synthesizer for pedals and a larger pedalboard with more keys, making it suitable for more complex bass lines.

How many keys does the Hammond RT3 have?

The Hammond RT3 has 61 full-size keys, providing a traditional organ playing experience with a wide range of notes.

Is the Hammond RT3 an analog or digital organ?

The Hammond RT3 is an analog organ, known for its classic warm and rich sound characteristic of vintage Hammond models.

What kind of keyboard action does the Hammond RT3 have?

The Hammond RT3 features a synth action keyboard, which offers a smooth and responsive playing experience typical of vintage organs.

What years was the Hammond RT3 manufactured?

The Hammond RT3 was manufactured between 1955 and 1973, making it a classic model with historical significance in the world of organs.

Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International

Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International

#201 | Hammond RT3 with 147 Leslie at Keyboard Exchange

Video thumbnail for #201 | Hammond RT3 with 147 Leslie at Keyboard Exchange by Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International

#201 | Hammond RT3 with 147 Leslie at Keyboard Exchange

Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International

Jim Huss, Keyboard Exchange International

Video thumbnail for Hammond Rt3 by muzykujkropkacom

Hammond Rt3

muzykujkropkacom

muzykujkropkacom

Video thumbnail for Retro Hammond Organs EP1:  Repairing The Beatles 'Iconic' RT3 Organ | 122 Leslie Speaker by Retro Hammond Organs

Retro Hammond Organs EP1: Repairing The Beatles 'Iconic' RT3 Organ | 122 Leslie Speaker

Retro Hammond Organs

Retro Hammond Organs

Video thumbnail for Hammond RT3 Sale Demonstration by Rafu

Hammond RT3 Sale Demonstration

Rafu

Rafu

Video thumbnail for Hammond RT3 demonstration by Herve' Thomas

Hammond RT3 demonstration

Herve' Thomas

Herve' Thomas

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hammond RT3.

Build quality

  • The RT-3 is notably heavy, with the actual weight including the console, bench, and 32-pedal board likely exceeding the 525lbs often quoted by Hammond.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RT-3 shares the same manuals, preamp, vibrato line box, and tonewheel generator as the B-3 and C-3, making it favorable for part swaps.

    Source
  • The RT-3 includes a monophonic synthesizer for pedals, controlled by eight switches and a potentiometer, which can be disconnected to eliminate unwanted hum.

    Source
  • The RT-3's pedal system closes more contacts than typical due to the pedal solo unit, which can complicate troubleshooting and require more thorough inspection.

    Source

User experience

  • Moving an RT-3 is comparable to moving a C-3; it's challenging but feasible with proper preparation and assistance.

    Source
  • Owners find the RT-3 less convenient for gigs due to its size and weight, despite being moveable with Roll-Or-Kari dollies.

    Source
  • Owners have found that the pedal solo synth controls often become disconnected over time, rendering associated knobs and switches non-functional.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RT-3, with 32 pedals, offers expanded functionality over the B-3’s 25 pedals, similar to a B-3 with added solo pedal unit.

    Source
  • The RT-3’s larger size and 32-note AGO pedal clavier are appreciated by classical players but seen as a drawback by some Gospel musicians.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's common to transplant low-wear RT-3 components into B-3 and C-3 models for improved performance and longevity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The RT-3 is often priced significantly lower than B-3 or C-3 models, with some selling for as low as 1100 AUD compared to 12,000 AUD for the others.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RT-3 is ideal for studio use, as demonstrated by its use in Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" recording at Abbey Road Studios.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Pedal hum may result from a stuck busbar or contact issue; cleaning with contact cleaner or performing a busbar shift can help resolve noise issues.

    Source
  • Pulling the rectifier tube from the PSU amp is recommended to determine if it is the noise source.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Hammond RT3

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Google

this photo shows paul playing a hammond RT3 organ

See how Ringo Starr uses Hammond RT3

Ringo Starr

Singer, Drummer

The Beatles

...
Verified via Rubbersoul

i just added a random rubber soul link but I found this on the actual ALBUM rubber soul. It says on the sleeve inside the album that ringo played the hammond organ on the track I'm looking through you. After research I found that the organ the beatles were using was the Hammond RT3.

See how Richard Wright uses Hammond RT3

Richard Wright

Singer, Keyboardist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Fika

The RT-3 Model (1972-1973) was used in the Dark Side of the Moon recording sessions

See how Tommy Hansen uses Hammond RT3

Tommy Hansen

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified

Tommy Hansen uses the Hammond RT3 organ, as confirmed by its presence at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark.

Album Usage

The Hammond RT3 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 RT3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

E-Mu 6400
E-Mu 6400 Audio Samplers
1
Mellotron M400
Mellotron M400 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1
EMS VCS 3
EMS VCS 3 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
1
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
1
Wurlitzer 200
Wurlitzer 200 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1
E-Mu Emulator II
E-Mu Emulator II Synthesizers
1
Fairlight CMI
Fairlight CMI Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
drmalone

drmalone

Gear IQ 137

More Hammond Organs

Hammond Xk5

$3,157.66 - $3,900.00

# 3

Rank

Jordan Rudess Chuck Leavell Toby Lee Marshall
7 artists using
Hammond B-3

$2,795.00

# 4

Rank

Jack White Prince Gary Moore
191 artists using
Hammond Sk1

$1,200.00

# 5

Rank

John Paul Jones Rick Wakeman Nicolas Jaar
9 artists using
Hammond XK-3c

$916.41

# 8

Rank

Dizzy Reed Rod Argent Karen Grotberg
12 artists using
Hammond XB-2

 

# 11

Rank

Thom Yorke Madlib Rick Wakeman
15 artists using
Hammond A-100 Organ

 

# 15

Rank

Jon Lord Don Airey Benmont Tench
15 artists using
Hammond SK2 Organ

$1,777.86

# 16

Rank

Sam Kiszka Angel Olsen Bernie Worrell
5 artists using
Hammond XK1C

$1,495.00 - $1,769.00

# 20

Rank

 
Hammond XK-5 Heritage Pro System

$3,900.00 - $10,320.00

# 21

Rank

Mark Stein
1 artist using
Hammond XB-2 Organ

 

# 23

Rank

Jonny Greenwood Thom Yorke Jon Lord
5 artists using
Hammond XK-4

$2,288.00 - $2,495.00

# 24

Rank

 
Hammond XK-1

$304.99 - $855.00

# 27

Rank

Nobuo Uematsu Ferdy Doernberg
2 artists using
Hammond XK-5 Heritage Series

$3,157.66 - $10,320.00

# 39

Rank

Jonathan Cain Adam Wakeman Buck Johnson
3 artists using
Hammond Skx

$2,579.00 - $3,995.00

# 40

Rank

 
Hammond C-3

$3,100.00

# 51

Rank

Paul McCartney George Harrison Elliott Smith
45 artists using
Hammond M-100 Organ

$1,000.00

# 68

Rank

John Paul Jones Benmont Tench Thijs van Leer
5 artists using
Hammond M-102

$1,000.00

# 80

Rank

Jonny Greenwood Richard Wright Steve Winwood
5 artists using
Hammond M
# 82

Rank

Karen Grotberg
1 artist using
Hammond X5

$750.00

# 89

Rank

Robin Piso
1 artist using
Hammond P-100

 

# 92

Rank

Gregg Giuffria
1 artist using

Similar