[HAM] Chopping Hammonds

[Steve Leigh]

I'm neither "anti" or "pro" chop.  Whatever works acceptably for you, 
is just what you need.

I remember my own first "chop".  I think it was a 1964 
B3.  Basically, nothing was done to it except to cut off the legs, 
and install very large pins and sockets so the "top" could be placed 
on the "legs".  AC and Leslie connectors were moved as required, and 
the bass pedal harness was cut off, as it wasn't being used, 
anyway.  I believe this organ had no "tubes" from the upper box to 
the lower box, since none were needed.  If memory is functioning, all 
we had to do was remove/install the expression linkage rod.  The idea 
seemed viable at the time (to the guitar player, anyway.  He's the 
one who actually bought the organ, using his credit and my money.  I 
was too young for credit in those days.)

Well, that act of genius didn't last too long because the whole leg 
assembly was too weak and unstable, and a new B3 was soon on the 
horizon.  THAT B3 was in a fire, and ended up being repaired and 
painted metalflake red.  Looked pretty crazy, back in those 
days.  That was the first time I went to the Hammond factory in 
Chicago - to pick up hundreds of replacement parts which were damaged 
and melted.

Pretty soon thereafter, padded covers and ROKs just became a standard 
way of life.



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