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Description

Step into the world of rich, immersive sound with the Leslie 122RV, a classic amplifier that has been a staple for keyboardists around the globe. A revered choice for those seeking the genuine rotary speaker sound, the Leslie 122RV brings the legendary Leslie experience to your music, enhancing your performances with its authentic tonal warmth and dynamic range. Featuring a two-speed motor system, this amplifier allows you to seamlessly transition between slow and fast rotary effects, providing a unique vibrato and tremolo effect that has defined countless musical genres.

The Leslie 122RV is meticulously engineered to deliver a full-bodied sound that’s both powerful and nuanced. Its tube-driven amplifier system ensures that your sound is not only warm but also richly textured. This amplifier is specifically designed to complement the tonal qualities of the Hammond B3 organ, but its versatility makes it a beloved choice for various keyboard setups. The addition of reverb in the 122RV model enhances the spatial depth of your sound, allowing for a more immersive listening experience.

With its robust construction and reliable performance, the Leslie 122RV is built to withstand the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances. Its enduring design continues to charm musicians with its timeless appeal and the ability to produce sounds that are both captivating and inspiring.

Key Features:

  • Two-speed motor system for seamless rotary effects
  • Tube-driven amplifier for warm, textured sound
  • Integrated reverb for enhanced spatial depth
  • Optimized for use with Hammond B3 organs
  • Durable construction for reliable performance
Adrian Rose

Adrian Rose

Adrian Rose Hammond C3 Leslie 122RV and yamaha tyros.Watch what Happens.

Video thumbnail for Adrian Rose Hammond C3 Leslie 122RV and yamaha tyros.Watch what Happens. by Adrian Rose

Adrian Rose Hammond C3 Leslie 122RV and yamaha tyros.Watch what Happens.

Adrian Rose

Adrian Rose

Video thumbnail for Another service completed  Hammond Model A  Leslie 122RV 🎹🛠💪🏾Langston Malone🎹🎹🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 by Undra Edwards Jr

Another service completed Hammond Model A Leslie 122RV 🎹🛠💪🏾Langston Malone🎹🎹🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Undra Edwards Jr

Undra Edwards Jr

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Leslie 122RV.

Features and functionality

  • The Leslie 122RV requires a warm-up period where the Chorale/Tremolo switch is non-functional for about 30 seconds due to tube warm-up.

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  • In the absence of a reverb unit, the Leslie 122RV can still function by connecting the crossover directly to the main amp, bypassing the reverb circuitry.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's essential to carry extra 12AU7 tubes for the Leslie, as they are critical for speed switching and can cause issues if failing.

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  • Vintage Leslie amps should have their electrolytic capacitors replaced to ensure reliability during gigs.

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  • A frayed and loose female connector on the Leslie cable can cause shorts and circuit breaker trips; careful cable management is crucial for stable performance.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners recommend using new old stock (NOS) 12AU7 tubes for better durability and performance in the Leslie amp.

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Use cases and applications

  • Practicing without the Leslie spinning can help musicians appreciate the organ's sound without dependency on effects.

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Other

  • The 12AU7 tube responsible for Leslie speed changes is located on the 122 amp itself, specifically in the position farthest from the gain knob.

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User experience

  • After servicing, inconsistent fast/slow speed switching may still occur if an old cable's internal wires are exposed and potentially shorting out the power supply.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
transquanta

Given to me by my dad, who bought it new

I love this speaker the warmth and the depth of the overall sound! Works with and without adapters with my organs I own and perfectly integrates with my A-100. It does however need constantly servicing and I had problems with replacement belts and locating valves has been a nuisance. But its a lovely unit and a lovely piece of furniture and sits completely at home within my studio next to my desk and shelving unit which is made of similar wood!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard Wright uses Leslie 122RV

Richard Wright

Singer, Keyboardist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Fika

As for the Leslie cabinets, his most commonly-used Leslie model, since Dark Side, was Model 122.

See how Gregg Allman uses Leslie 122RV

Gregg Allman

Singer, Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

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Verified via Keyboardmag

"Just around the time that the Brothers were first starting, [bassist Berry] Oakley had this old Victorian home, and one day I was blindfolded and led into this big room. When they took the blindfold off, I was amazed to see this brand new 1969 B-3 with Leslie 122RV cabinets. There were about eight rolled joints on the keyboard, and they said, “Have fun. We’ll see you in about a week or so.” That day is still one of the happiest days of my life. While they were gone, I wrote “Whipping Post” and most of the songs that wound up on the first Allman Brothers album. I was really on a roll."

See how Oren Ambarchi uses Leslie 122RV

Oren Ambarchi

Guitarist

Sunn O)))

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Verified via musicaelettronica.it

In the photo at the bottom of the article, you can see the leslie cabinet beside Oren. He's been using Leslie cabinets in his music since Monoliths & Dimensions. I'm not sure if this is the exact cabinet. So feel free to revise this.

See how Jonathan Cain uses Leslie 122RV

Jonathan Cain

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

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Verified via Kformusicians

Jonathan Cain uses the Leslie 122RV amplifier with his Hammond C3, as detailed on K for Musicians.

See how Neal Morse uses Leslie 122RV

Neal Morse

Singer, Guitarist

Flying Colors

...
Verified via Radiantrecords

Neal has a Leslie 122 in his own studio.

See how Paul Epworth uses Leslie 122RV

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

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Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is the Leslie 122.

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 Leslie 122RV, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Gear Guides

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    mattelmen
    mattelmen

    Gear IQ 612