Hammond Organ Complete Paperback – September 1, 2002

I played the organ as a kid and took 5 years of lessons, but I was playing a lower end Lowrey spinet. Even though I'm a guitar player now, I still like the organ sounds and I play in a tribute band that has a lot material the uses Hammond B3 sounds. I wanted to learn more about the various Hammond models, how they work, what you can do with them, and have some sound samples to compare to my own experimenting with other keyboards. I was even considering buying an old Hammond off craigslist (or wherever) to play with at home, or maybe a new modern portable Hammond or other keyboard. This book is helping me understand some of the basic differences.It has a few pages showing different models, and describing basic differences. There are good diagrams of controls and a lot of recommended settings. But most of the book is exercises with the settings called out and descriptions of what to pay attention to when playing. I don't know if I'll actually every use/play them but in combination with the audio CD I can at least hear what the different controls are doing and how the techniques work. It covers a lot of the technique stuff that gives the organ it's "sizzle" in modern rock, blues and jazz pieces.Well put together, better than a lot of music books I've seen.

This book, along with the included practice exercises on CD, has helped to improve my playing immensely. Dave Limina did an awesome job of covering every aspect of guiding us through this musical instrument legend. The exercises cover a wide range of playing skills. I find myself constantly revisiting the drawbar settings and exercises that cover such a wide array of musical styles.

This book is really well done, in that it explains in detail all the controls and idiosyncracies of the Hammond organs and then presents a series of musical exercises to illustrate. The musical exercises though aren't for begginers... they are more for intermediate to advanced players I would say... so for experienced players looking to get into the "tone-wheel" sound it is perfect... absolute beginners though will need to work up to this.

This is the book to get, if you're interested in Hammond Organs, although it's more geared toward the musician.Dave Limina gives a very thorough history of the development of this instrument and how to play it. After describing the technical part of the organ, he uses music charts of well known Jazz and Blues songs along with some keyboard exercises. On each chart he has a diagram of the drawbar settings used to get the sound which you can hear on the accompanying CD. Dave and his band play two tracks on each tune; one track has the full band and the other a mix-minus where you can play along with just the band. I've seen nothing better on the subject.

This is honestly the most helpful method book I've ever used. The author had written down so many Hammond tips that would be so challenging to learn elsewhere. I have also learned so much more about jazz progressions and cool organ licks. I do feel that you have to have strong music reading skills to make the most out of this book. The recordings and repetitions in different keys will make me more fluent in playing these styles. I love this book and CD!

Brilliant book. Very well set out and gets you playing and understanding the Hammond straight away. Some things can't be worked out by yourself, so if you can't find a teacher - this book is for you!

I am so excited. This book has everything I need to improve my organ playing techniques. I have never had organ lessons, but I have been a self-taught gospel organist for years. There are many lessons and a CD. I'm happy that I can read music because that is a requirement for this course. My reading skills and playing skills will improve. Now...the real work begins!

I like the format and the musical works are nicely done. The only problem is in opening the book itself to play the pieces. Perhaps the publisher could arrange for the book to open more easily in another edition.