Another clone for the list ...

[Russ Evans <russ@seismo.demon.co.uk>]

I picked up a second Leslie 145 during the week, together with a few
useful bits and pieces, all for a very sensible =A3125 ($200).  Part of the
deal was a 'drawbar organ', which turns out to be a decent Hammond clone.
Here's a description [Brad : is it worth adding to the list?]

WLM HIT B-P made in Finland (probably during the early '70s) Two 49-note
manuals + 13-note pedalboard. 9 tone drawbars + 7 percussion drawbars (upper=
);
6 drawbars (lower); 4 drawbars (pedal); variable percussion attack and
sustain.  Pedal attack and sustain.  Vibrato.  Spring-line reverb.  7 preset=
s.
Plywood case with aluminium edging, which folds to form a shipping case.

Electrical construction strikes me as a shade lightweight, but this example
has survived quite well.  Sound is reasonably good, compares well against
my Korg CX-3, although I'd prefer a two-manual Korg (i.e. BX-3).  Much, much
better than any synth patch, for sure.  So I plan on keeping the WLM -- it
will come in handy for band rehearsals and 'small' gigs.

By the way, I've also played an Orla single-manual clone, rather like (but
not identical with) the CX-3 or Viscount/Fujiha/Oberheim.  I guess that
should be on Brad's list, too.

The deal also brought in a "Hamilton Control Unit" : two-channel mixer/pream=
p
plus speed controller for two Leslie's.  Parts seem to be UK-sourced, and
this unit is serial number 27.  Introduces lots of lovely noise, too!  I don=
't
suppose any of you out there has a circuit diagram, by any chance?

The 'new' Leslie itself is stuck on 'fast' and blows fuses when turned to
slow.
I assume there's a wiring short or blown winding in it someplace.  I've put
it in the garage until I can get the time to check it out -- I may be back
here for advice if it turns out to be something more complex.  In the meanti=
me,
the preamp at least allows me patch the rest of my kit up to the other 145.

Now I'd better get back out there looking.  Somewhere, there's a sweet deal
on a C-3 or A-100 in pristine condition, just waiting for me.  All I've got
to do is locate it ...

Russ