[HAM] Chopping Hammonds

[Steve Leigh]

Everything written about chopping a Hammond makes sense.  Each point 
of view has its pros and cons.

I've read this subject (actually, this subject has been going on 
since about 1996) with interest.  And there are still certain things 
that can't be changed.

Upper and lower manuals weigh about 95 pounds.  The generator weighs 
about 45 pounds.  The drawbar assembly weighs about 15 pounds.  I 
can't think of anything which would effectively escape these 
facts.  (These are approximate weights with no enclosures at all.)

I think the major issue in my own mind, is the expression pedal 
modification, which seems to be required for any chopped 
Hammond.  I've played many, and felt very uncomfortable with whatever 
substitute was installed.  Maybe it had to do with the height (floor 
pedal as compared with normal height), or the degree of travel.  In 
all cases, it just felt less than comfortable, and in most cases, I 
wasn't able to accent/deaccent like I'm used to.  Presumably, I could 
learn over time.  Some that I've played used a typical "volume 
control" - meaning a rotary pot (ala Ernie Ball) - I just couldn't 
even get *close* to comfortable with that!  But I did use an Ernie 
Ball for several of my other keyboards, and things seemed OK.

Another facet which bothered me was the stand/legs/whatever.  I felt 
like I was playing a moving instrument on a keyboard stand - and I 
missed the really solid feel of the stock, integrated case.  I don't 
play "rough", but I haven't yet met a stand that really feels natural 
to me.  The "fold up - hair pin" legs are probably the worst I've 
ever experienced, and they actually weigh almost as much as an empty B3 case!

It's easy to understand that reducing overall size will assist in 
transport.  My own trailer is small - 5' x 8' - and I can't turn the 
Hammond sideways because of the ROKs.  But it *will* carry a B3, 4 
Leslies, and numerous other keyboards, along with a keyboard PA, mic 
stands, mic case, etc.  Had I chosen a 6' x 12' (or even a 6' x 14') 
trailer, I feel a whole band could have been transported with 
ease.  (And some trial and error practice loads to learn the best positioning.)

I've seen pictures of some of the more recent chops, and they look 
good to me.  All I can relate is how my prior experiences affected my 
own choices.



Steve Leigh  :::  steve at sl-prokeys.com
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