Hammond-Suzuki XB-3

While playing it in the store, I found it a little harder to figure out than the Roland VK-7. But the price was right and I trusted the Hammond name...and glad I did! After about 15-20 min. of messing around with it at home (and without opening the manual), I figured most of the "basic" features out and, WHAM, all doubts about it not being as good as the VK-7 were gone. And when I actually opened the manual I realized there was a lot more to learn. PLENTY of options.

1st and foremost, the drawbars: If you're trying to find a keyboard that emulates the B3, it MUST have drawbars so you can change the tone "on the fly". Also, the leslie buttons are a big help. I used to use a Korg N5 which had a modulation wheel AND knob. The knob was pretty good because, when you used it, it made the "leslie" sound more realistic by gradually creating the rotor sound over a couple seconds. But having the buttons on the XK-2 makes it a lot easier because you don't have to roll a wheel or turn a knob. Just a quick *pop* and you can whing your hand back on the keyboard. The block style keys are a big plus as well. They make it feel like a real Hammond and the also allow for some good "grinding". The XK-2 also features reverb and overdrive knobs. Very useful for getting a "church" or "Deep Purple/Green Onions" sound. Want 2 manuals instead of just your one 61-key keyboard? You can buy 2 and hook them together. The controls on the top can control the bottom and vice versa. You could also buy a set of bass pedalboards if you really wanted.

I think most organ buffs (provided the right amp/leslie was being used) would have a hard time telling the difference in sound between the B3 and the XK-2 if they were blindfolded. It's amazing!!! Don't belive me? Go and play the demo songs on one, stand back, and close your eyes. I could of swore I was at a Jimmy Smith concert. It even replicates the key clicks and little "snaps and pops" that a real B3 would have. And get this... when you turn on the leslie emmulator, you can even hear a humming motor sound and spinning belts just like you would on a real leslie. I actually think the leslie sound on it sounds better than my Leslie 920!! Pretty freakin' amazing! That might be one of the most impressive features of all.

I really don't have enough time with it to say but I have a strange story about mine: When I got it, I realized that the high "b" didn't work. I called the place where I bought it and they said it would take a few days to get a replacement. The next day, I sat down to play it and realized that the note was working! I guess it fixed itself?!? I haven't hand one problem since.

never had to get it fixed

I would DEFINITELY buy it again. When I get the money, I'm going to buy another one and hook them together. The only competition is the Roland VK-7. I picked the Hammond because, 1st of all, it IS a Hammond (c'mon), and it came at a very good price. I'm very glad I picked it over the Roland. The only thing I wish it had was a footswitch to control the leslie sound (maybe it does, who knows?)