Love the old Hammond consoles, and when I got my hands on one I decided to log my experiences and the information I found on the web to this blog, I also play sax and bass, and sometimes take out a cigar box guitar for that instant ZZ-Top sound. I'm an active member of Wikiloops.com where you will find a fair few tracks I posted with these instruments.
Funk Hammond organ sounds typically focus on a rythmic and percussiv attack, often using the lower drawbars for a “punchy” bottom end and a specific percussion settings for that “popping” sound.
Popular Funk Drawbar Registrations
The “Squab” (Standard Funk/Jazz): 88 8000 000
This is the “classic Jimmy Smith” sound used for funk.
Settings: Pull the first three drawbars (16′, 5 1/3′, 8′) to full.
Percussion: On, Soft, Fast Decay, 3rd Harmonic.
The “Groove Holmes” (Flutey Funk): 88 8000 008
Adds a high-end “whistle” for soloing or more presence.
Funk “Shots” / Tower of Power Style: 88 8611 348
Used for high-energy rhythmic “stabs” and shots with a horn section.
Provides more “oomph” and cutting power.
Funky Comping: 68 8600 004
A slightly more balanced setting with some high-end sparkle for rhythmic background playing.
Full “Bark”: 88 8888 888
Used for intense, climactic funk moments or heavy rock-funk.
To get a true funk sound, you must also configure these settings for percusion and the Leslie:
Percussion: On. This is important for the “plucky” sound.
Volume: Soft (to avoid overpowering the notes).
Decay: Fast (essential for rhythmic 16th-note funk lines).
Harmonic: 3rd Harmonic is most common for funk bite.
Chorus/Vibrato:
C3 setting is standard for adding “shimmer” and “bite”.
Leslie Speaker:
Fast (Tremolo) for solos to create excitement, or Stop/Slow (Chorale) for steady rhythmic comping
The Hammond organ is one of the most underestimated instruments for pop and rock. There is a reason why it has been around for almost a century now, as it has an unmistakable sound that can be heard in countless pieces of iconic music. From the classic Hammond B3 or C3 to the A100 series tonewheel organ, the Hammond organ covers a wide range of sounds that can be used in many genres. It’s a unique electro-mechanic instrument that produces a warm and organic tone, making it well-suited for pop and rock. The Hammond organ was popularized by artists such as Jimmy Smith, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, and The Doors. This instrument also opened up new possibilities for jazz musicians, as it enabled them to perform in clubs without needing to hire an entire band. Even today, many modern bands still use the Hammond organ in their songs, helping to create a unique sound. The Hammond organ is an incredibly versatile instrument that can be used to create various sounds and tones. Whether you’re looking for a classic vintage sound or something more modern, the Hammond organ is capable of providing both. Its ability to blend tones makes it ideal for recording and layering complex sounds, allowing producers to create something truly unique.
Bobman107 has some very good instructional videos up on youtube that show how to remove the keyboard or manuals from the most popular Hammond consoles (B2, B3, C2 and C3).
Bobman107 showing how to remove the keyboards / manuals from a Hammond organ
