C-3/Leslie testing

[DGBACKUS@aol.com]

I have been reading the posts about Al's hotrodded HAMMOND organs, and it
confirms something I learned a while back.  I play differently when I sit
behind that big wooden box on the stage.  The XB-2 is cool, but I had
wondered for a long time why it didn't sound the same.  Well, it was because
I didn't play it the same.  

I am so very anxious to get my pre-amp and Leslie amp back.  I know that Al
and guests had warmed the tubes up for me over the weekend.  The organ I am
restoring is my first B-3.  I practiced working on two other organs before I
tackled this one.  I think every cap in the organ has been replaced, and I
learned how to clean the scanner assembly over the weekend.  I am planning to
take extra care in re-wiring this one.  It is a cherry cabinet from the
mid-sixties, and is very nice looking, having seen only one other living room
in it's life.  I thought it was fitting to leave the tube pre-amp in it.  

On the subject of hauling the beast around....  It helps to have friends who
like to hear you play.  I don't play out every weekend because that was a
choice I made.  I have always wanted to be an amateur musician; playing for
the love of it.  I know that not everyone can do this.  We usually get some
nice local clubs and I have heard this more than once:  "Is that a B-3 organ?
 I haven't seen one of those in twenty years!"  That is when I decided to put
my XB-2 up for sale.

SO...  If you can swing it, get an organ from Al Goff, or Bill Beer, or
rebuild it yourself.  You WILL play better.  

David G. Backus
Delaware, OH