Robben Ford Discussion

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:26 am Post subject: To B3 or Not To B3?

Seeking opinions and/or advice.

In my local newspaper's classifieds is an ad for a free Hammond B3. Nothing else is stated other than it doesn't work. I normally wouldn't consider other people's throw-aways but I love the sound of a B3 (can you say Gregg Allman?). I also don't want to be sinking tons of money into it to get it to work nor do I want to have to put an ad in the paper next year for a free non-working B3...

I guess what I'm saying is, is there any value in a non-working B3? If I decide to at least go see it, what should I look for (quick troubleshoot)?

Thanks,
JZ

Bluelobster · Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:51 am Post subject: GO FoR IT

Hi J the Z , come on go for it , make it the french way go for 100 bucks arguing the fact it doesn't work and that is a heavy weight to truck load.Yell at the guy 'coz there is no leslie speaker, if there is any leslie cabinet yell anyway, that's a mess such a wonderful cabinet not being takin' care of. Now consider the fact you need to know someone to repair it , but it's like a louis the forteenth chair , an oeuvre d'art , ask Daved.
This B3 mightbe your retirementfund. Idea

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bluenote · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:34 am Post subject:

Johnny, I know it sounds like a cool thing, and I would probably go for it myself. Might just be a loose wire. contact the guy and see what he has done to try to fix it, if it was nothing then it might be an easy fix. Although, not long ago I got the same offer on a beautiful Conover piano, it an upright piano made in Chicago around 1910, its a beautiful piece, but there are a bunch of dead keys on it.....now I own a 500# paperweight.
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frank0936 · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:07 am Post subject: To...

This may sound like a dumb question -
Can you play a B3?
Frank

AndyR · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:18 am Post subject:

Old guyz like us shouldn't lift heavy stuff !!! (I turned 52 yesterday Smile

)

B-3s are really very complicatated, mechanically speaking. If it's a beater, I would even bother.

Besides, there are many great digital B-3 emulators available, as one of our more handsome, esteemed board members has pointed out:

http://www.online-discussion.com/RobbenFord/viewtopic.php?t=2208&highlight=voce

Laughing

Andy

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 7:13 am Post subject:

Thanks for the inputs. And, no, I can't play a B3!

Honestly, I haven't pursued this. My gut kept telling me that it's not worth it. And, I'm sure my wife had something to do with my gut feeling even though I never even mentioned the B3 to her... Wink

Andy, I think you hit the point- that there are other options to emulate that B3 sound that I love so much. (BTW, I'm also 52.)

frank0936 · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:03 am Post subject: to B3...

The other options aren't free. But, if you can't play it - it takes up a lot of space and is a heavy monster. If you have experience fixing electronics, it might be worth taking to fix and sell. Otherwise, I think I'd pass.
Frank

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:53 pm Post subject:

Another thought... I'd rather use the space that a B3 takes up for a pinball machine, circa 1970's. I once had a great electro-mechanical game (with real chimes!) called Joker Poker, but unfortunately, it had to go when money was needed for home-buying purposes. See, I was a huge pinball addict back in the early 70's and it will always be in my blood. Gee, now that I think of it, I wish I had the equivalent talent (I was real good) and in-blood for playing guitar- I'd have my own discussion forum! Laughing

AndyR · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 4:30 am Post subject:

Maybe you could use the space for a "Guitar Hero" game !!!

Cool

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

The studio I work in has a 'retired' B3 - it never runs but it is a beautifully ugly thing to behold. It is worth buying the thing if only as a rather large lamp stand.

Another useful feature of this item is that, should you ever fall out with someone, you can drop it off a bridge as they pass underneath.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 1:49 pm Post subject:

Another useful feature of this item is that, should you ever fall out with someone, you can drop it off a bridge as they pass underneath.

Millibobs, you are one ingenious Englishman... Laughing

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

We'll confirm the latter when I have found a way to get the B3 onto the bridge parapet........

frank0936 · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 11:40 am Post subject: Heave!!

Friends - lots of 'em! Preferably young friends with good backs.
Frank

bbpgtr · Member Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Posts: 34

I love those Hammond B-3's.

Get the thing, fix it, and then add the Leslie. WHOOHOO!! For some reason, B3's are some of the most soulful sounds I've ever heard. You can always chop it too. B3's should be required in all bands. lol.

SAVE THE B3! Very Happy

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

Here's another thought. You could rewire the entire keyboard partly as a huge midi controller, build in a guitar interface, a small fridge, some wheels, a camp bed, a portable toilet, a StratNav location system (finds bars with blues bands), some chintz curtains, a small but intimate bar area, a surround system, a barbecue, a global communications device, some of those crappy porcelain ornaments that old ladies keep, a signed photo of Robben, a little nodding dog, a rain canopy, an airbag, a fire extinguisher, a CB radio, a three-tone horn, power steering.............you're getting the idea, right?