Re: Custom Hammond and Leslie

[GOFFProf@aol.com]

Ben Jacobs wrote:

>Hey Goff Bros, I'm wondering if you start with the Trek SSP solid state
>pre-amp and modify from there for your hotrod custom rigs, or if you have a
>"GOFF" solid state pre-amp which you designed & built from the ground up.
>Either way, would you care to make any comments regarding the stock Trek
>pre-amp?  Thanks.

Ben-  The C-3 Mark and Will played for the PRO-3 test had a specially
modified TREK-II preamp.  We also have another SS preamp almost ready for
mail-order which uses the original swell capacitor from the AO-28 preamps, as
used in B-3, C-3, A-100, RT-3, D-100 organs.  It has bass, treble, adjustable
percussion volume, and other differences from the TREK.  It also costs almost
three times as much!  We have a couple of units in "test" organs now and
their owners report no problems and are very happy with them.  The new preamp
is designed to carefully follow the original preamp characteristics, while
delivering rock-solid performance.  For the money ($599. including reverb)
the TREK-II preamp is a great option which should be seriously considered.
   

Regarding the Page / Plant GOFF Professional B-3 KeyboardHam mentioned in a
post to Mark Longo, that organ also had a modified TREK preamp.  For most
touring professionals, it is a good choice since maintenance of the tube
preamps is much more difficult than it was in the 60's, 70's and 80's.  ANY
HAMMOND with a solid-state preamp should ALWAYS be used with a tube-amp
Leslie.  Let's not get crazy with the mods here, or the resulting sound will
go right down the toilet.

Some of our touring organs (such as for R.E.M.) have a specially modified
tube original AO-28 preamp.  Keith Emerson's GOFF Professional C-3 (from the
"Pictures At An Exhibition" album and tour for EL&P fans!) has a modified
TREK preamp.  But, my rebuilding and modification of the "Tarkus" organ
(which is a 240 volt, 50 hz organ) will include installation of 60 hz 120
volt motors and a specially modified and beefed up tube preamp.  Listen to
the modified C-3 on the "Live at Royal Albert Hall" Emerson, Lake and Palmer
CD.

As info-- One of our board members, Dave Backus, will be getting his B-3
preamp and 122 amplifier back in the mail soon.  Bill just finished
rebuilding and "sweetening" his Leslie amp (it now puts out 63 watts, and was
the amp in the Leslie 122 we used to test the PRO-3, etc.  Remember Mark and
Will?).  I just completed the B-3 preamp rebuilding and mods.  Dave's tube
preamp will have much MORE bass,  much LESS distortions, and beefed up and
fattened percussion.  If anyone is contemplating changes in their AO-28
preamp, let me know.  

Contrary to common belief--- There are several versions of the preamp among
the organs listed above using it.  It even had several iterations of changes
among the SAME model of organ!  AND --- surprise--- there are several
component changes between the A-100 and B-3 / C-3 preamps, although the
organs are virtually identical in many other ways.   

A TEST .....  What are those difference in the preamps?  First correct answer
to me via Email gets a FREE "Classic American Rock" B-3 / Leslie 122 T-shirt!
 

ONE MOD HINT---  the A-100 had a 12" woofer mounted in it for bass in lieu of
the !5" woofer used in the HAMMOND PR-40 tone cabinet which was designed for
the B-3 / C-3 organs.  Since the A-100 had the smaller woofer, HAMMOND had to
make a change to boost the bass in the A-100 preamps.  Remember-- the AO-28
is a two channel preamp (vibrato and non-vibrato channels) so we are talking
more than one component. 

Dave Backus-- rest assured- your Preamp has even MORE bass boost than if we
had rebuilt it as an A-100! 

C'mon you HAMMOND tekkies---  give this a try!

Al