hammond BV

[TMAC3@aol.com]

Andy
 
Read your post regarding ?s about the BV and Als response to it.  As far as
I'm concerned, Al response was not very helpful though I know he has the info
you are looking for.  I am not a real expert but I do have some info on the
BV.  First,  The BV was made prior to the Hammond B-3s and B-2s (the latter
doesn't have percussion but is the same otherwise).  I'm not sure exactly
when the BV was first made nor the discontinued  date but I think they were
in production around the late 1920s and 30's.  The BV doesn't have the same
tone generator design as the B-3 but it is close (I don't know the tech.
stuff which makes it different).  It will sound pretty good through a 122.  I
used a CV with a 122 for years to gig on and  it was OK (The C model is the
same as the B but in a different cab. ) The other difference  from a B-3 is
that the BV does not have a capicity to split the vibrito between the two
keyboards and I think the actual vibrito is not the same as the B-3.  Finaly
the BV does not have percusion (you can add this on-there are alot of after
market vendors that make percusion units; not as good as the hammond
percusion though).  The Cab. on the BV is very close to B-3 if not the same.
 You can still find the BVs but they are not as popular nor expensive as the
B-3 for reasons stated above.  I would think that a reasonable price for a
good working condition BV might fall in the range of $400 to $900 depending
on the condition of the cab.  As mentioned before I own a CV and have been
trying to sell it.  I would be very happy if someone would give me $400 for
it.  I hope this helps. 

Tom