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Description

Step into the world of classic organ sound with the Hammond XB-2, a versatile instrument designed to capture the essence of vintage tone and modern playability. Perfect for both seasoned musicians and organ enthusiasts, this instrument brings the iconic Hammond sound into the digital age without sacrificing the warmth and expression that players love. Featuring 61 full-sized keys, the XB-2 provides an authentic playing experience that mirrors traditional Hammond organs. With 64 digital voices and a wide range of sound presets, it offers both depth and versatility for your musical creations.

The XB-2 is equipped with advanced digital modeling technology, delivering precise emulation of the classic tonewheel sound. It also includes onboard digital effects like reverb and chorus, allowing you to sculpt your sound to perfection. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through sounds and settings, ensuring that your focus remains on your music. Whether you're performing live or recording in the studio, the Hammond XB-2 offers a robust and reliable experience with its sturdy build and comprehensive feature set.

Key Features:

  • 61 full-sized keys for an authentic organ feel
  • 64 digital voices for diverse sound options
  • Vintage tonewheel sound emulation with advanced digital modeling
  • Onboard digital effects including reverb and chorus
  • Intuitive interface for easy navigation through presets and settings
  • Sturdy construction for reliable live and studio use

Product specs

Brand Hammond
Model XB-2 Organ
Finish Black / Wood
Year 1990s
Made In United States
Categories Organs
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys

FAQs

Does the Hammond XB-2 Organ have the classic Hammond tonewheel sound?

Yes, the Hammond XB-2 Organ is designed to emulate the classic tonewheel sound, providing the rich, full-bodied tones that Hammond organs are known for.

How many keys does the Hammond XB-2 Organ have, and what is the key action like?

The Hammond XB-2 Organ features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, offering a smooth and responsive playing experience.

Is the Hammond XB-2 Organ suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Hammond XB-2 Organ is well-suited for live performances, offering a robust and authentic organ sound that can fill a venue.

What kind of connectivity options are available on the Hammond XB-2 Organ?

The Hammond XB-2 Organ includes standard audio outputs and MIDI connections, allowing integration with other audio equipment and MIDI controllers.

Can the Hammond XB-2 Organ be used for both studio recording and live gigs?

Absolutely, the Hammond XB-2 Organ is versatile enough for both studio recording and live performances, providing consistent sound quality in various settings.

La Musique Szkoła i Pracownia Muzyczna

La Musique Szkoła i Pracownia Muzyczna

Hammond XB2 test

Video thumbnail for Hammond XB2 test by La Musique Szkoła i Pracownia Muzyczna

Hammond XB2 test

La Musique Szkoła i Pracownia Muzyczna

La Musique Szkoła i Pracownia Muzyczna

Video thumbnail for How to set the drawbars on a hammond xb2 organ by Cyan Music

How to set the drawbars on a hammond xb2 organ

Cyan Music

Cyan Music

Video thumbnail for Jon Hammond Show 0831 Last Ride for XB-2 Penzlin LeBar Bat by Jon Hammond

Jon Hammond Show 0831 Last Ride for XB-2 Penzlin LeBar Bat

Jon Hammond

Jon Hammond

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hammond XB-2 Organ.

Value and pricing

  • The Hammond XB-2 is often considered overpriced at $500; alternatives like the Hammond SK1 are recommended for similar or less cost.

    Source

User experience

  • The organ is notably heavy and awkward to transport, which could be a significant concern for gigging musicians.

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Features and functionality

  • The Leslie simulation on the XB-2 is widely criticized for poor quality, especially compared to newer models like the Hammond SK1.

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  • The XB-2 with v2.0 firmware allows 4 banks per preset, totaling 32 programmable presets and 5 memory dump options: ALL OUT, GLOBAL, CANCEL, PRESET, and PATCH.

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Use cases and applications

  • The XB-2 may be adequate for live band settings, but expectations should be tempered given its limitations.

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Comparisons

  • Many users suggest the Hammond SK1 as a superior option, highlighting its lighter weight and better sound quality.

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  • Yamaha Reface YC is suggested for its compact size and decent sound, with additional combo organ voices, though limited by 3 octaves and mini-keys.

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Software and compatibility

  • UAD Waterfall B3 plugin is highlighted for its authentic vintage sound, overdriven preamps, and microphone setup options, outperforming Arturia and others for vintage growl.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to v2.0 firmware can be considered at price points of $30 and $90 for the EEPROM, offering significant improvements over v1.2.

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Setup and maintenance

  • To optimize sound, users suggest adding inline EQ to the XB-2 output and rolling off all frequencies above 6kHz to eliminate noise and synthesis artifacts.

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  • It's advisable to disable the XB-2's built-in Leslie simulation when connecting to a real Leslie or external simulator for better sound quality.

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Build quality

  • The XB-2 is known to have persistent issues with under key contacts, which may require attention from owners or technicians.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hammond XB2 (MT Aug 91)

muzines.co.uk

The Hammond XB-2 is a modern marvel for fans of the classic drawbar organ sound, offering a portable solution with authentic tonal characteristics. Its solid-state design cleverly mimics the legendary B3, delivering rich, overdriven rock tones and smooth jazz vibes. With a wide range of effects and settings, including a built-in Leslie simulator, the XB-2 captures the essence of its predecessors while adding flexibility for today's musicians. The real draw is its ability to recreate the iconic Hammond sound without the bulk and weight of vintage models. However, the XB-2's interface could benefit from a more intuitive patch recall system, and while not cheap, it’s a worthy investment for those seeking the genuine Hammond experience.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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william_fletcher

Wow

This is a beast without the weight of the C or B a great work house

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Hammond XB-2 Organ

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Jonny Greenwood used a Hammond XB-2 Organ during a live performance in 1996 for "Karma Police," as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Tumblr.

See how Thom Yorke uses Hammond XB-2 Organ

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Thekingofgear

Photos on Thekingofgear show Thom Yorke playing a Hammond XB-2 Organ.

See how Jon Lord uses Hammond XB-2 Organ

Jon Lord

Keyboardist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live 1993 performance of "Beethoven" by Deep Purple, Jon Lord is seen playing the Hammond XB-2 Organ at the 1:20 mark of the video.

See how Tomethy Furse uses Hammond XB-2 Organ

Tomethy Furse

Bassist, Keyboardist

The Horrors

...
Verified via Dolphinmusic

Main keyboardist Tom Furse is said to have an extensive collection of vintage analog synths. Previously, they used to have combo organs onstage, such as the Roland VK-8 , a Nord organ and Hammond XB-2

See how Jeff Frankenstein uses Hammond XB-2 Organ

Jeff Frankenstein

Singer, Keyboardist

Newsboys

...
Verified via YouTube

Used between circa 1996-1999, was painted pink by the Step up to the Mic tour.

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 XB-2 Organ, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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