Product Description

Now fully updated, The Hammond Organ: Beauty in the B traces the technological and artistic evolution of the B-3 and other tonewheel organs, as well as the whirling Leslie speakers that catapulted the Hammond sound into history. YouÕll discover the genius that went into the development of HammondÕs tonewheel generator, drawbar harmonics, percussion, scanner vibrato and other innovations, as well as the incredible assistance Don Leslie provided for Hammond by creating his famous rotating speaker system. Plus - B-3 legends including soul-jazzman Jimmy McGriff and progressive rocker Keith Emerson share their playing techniques; technical experts offer tips on buying, restoring, and maintaining Hammonds and Leslies; and over 200 photos illustrate historic Hammond organs, Leslie cabinets, and B-3 masters at work.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #397070 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-01
• Released on: 2002-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780879307059
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Mark Vail was a member of the editorial staff at Keyboard for 13 years, and continues to write the magazines Vintage Gear column. He is an author and consultant in the music industry

Customer Reviews

Thorough and real, Vail's book is a good read
As a Hammond B3 player for more years than I'd like to admit, I WILL admit I enjoyed this book tremendously. Now, it's not a tech manual, but I thought the book was laid out very well. It gave a good description of who Laurens Hammond was, such as being inventor of the electric clock. When doing research there's always gonna be some folks out there who may disagree with some statement, but that's just natural. I think that Mark Vail did an incredibly thorough job of researching this instrument and its history. He showed that he has a personal interest in it as well. A lot of people can just write a book 'cause they're paid to, but Mark has passion for the B. He showed it all the way through. I liked the reproductions of some of the original brochures, with the pictures of the different models. I remember those from when I was a kid -- my mother went to buy a Hammond and brought those brochures home. Quite often when I'm talking with someone about a particular model, I'll take out Mark's book and show them the photos and descriptions. He gives the year the models were built, what their price was -- that sort of stuff is very helpful and just plain fun to know.

Buy this book
I had borrowed a copy of this book from a friend, and after skimming it, decided then and there I had to have my own copy; so I bought one.

It's great to see that someone took the time to research and write such an informative and interesting book on a very "niche" piece of the music industry.

It should be required reading for anyone interested in the Hammond organ, and it's history. Because of the amount of pictures and quotes, it makes for very "easy" reading. I finished it in about one day, and still refer to it!

I recommend it, highly!

Spinning wheels to moving Air
The "beauty in the B" first edition was hard to put down,I have read it from cover to cover several times. The Second edition is equally compelling and filled with a wealth of additional information on how to approach "the sound" with todays instruments. Mr Vail also presents "how to play" information and performance tips from several B3 masters, a must for anyone seeking to master the incredible B3's range of sound. A detailed history of Laurens Hammond and his Organ Company is also wonderfully covered with many quotes from company insiders. Of course the other mandantory half of the B3 equation, the Leslie speaker and it's creator Don Leslie, are also detailed in photo and text. Especially intriguing to me was the war between Laurens Hammond and Don Leslie. Mr Vail presents insight from insiders of both camps as the battle waged on, great reading.If you have not read the first edition, the second edition is an incredible buy. If you have an insatiable appetite for all things Hammond and Leslie, own both books!.