Hammond-Suzuki XK System

I have a three piece set-up: XK3,lower manual cabinet and stand. I did not get the bench or the pedals. I got this to gig with and really do not use the pedals - although they'd be a fun addition later. The wood is beautiful. I need for it to look 'maavaalousss...". Well, it fills the bill. The construction is first rate; top grade plywood and veneer. A fine furniture style and authentic. Very easy to use. Sounds and feels just like a B3, like it is supposed to. Looks just like one, too. It is possible to modify just about every parameter in the instrument to each down to each tonewheel. The sound engine is an XK-3, so this category can be filled out by reading what others have written about that board elsewhere. The manual is quite complete and helpful. Controls are right where they are supposed to be; easy set up, especially when compared to its granddad. Breaks down into three parts for easy transport to the gig.

Once again, the XK-3 holds up well here - excellent. The Hammond keys on the lower manual have to be played to be believed. There is just something about having those two keyboards in proper position with the right feel and look. The ergonomics of the setup are absolute magic. It feels just like a B3, that it is supposed to feel like, being the younger nephew, and all. I get the same sensations with this guy that I get when playing an old B3 that the instrument is playing itself and I'm along for the ride. Controls are right where they are supposed to be; the 13 preset keys work; easy set up. Breaks down into three parts for easy transport to the gig. The thing feels solid. The extra mass lets you slap it around and play it hard with no movement. It is solid.

Sounds just like it is supposed to sound; expression pedal, percussion, chorus, etc etc. I have been playing it through a dialled in motion sound pro3t/15" 160 watt KB amp with the line out to another 15" KB amp and it fills up the room, the room being the club full of people we played at last night! I'd add a leslie 122 but I'd have to buy a truck and hire help.

So far; so good. It looks well built enough to stand up to the gigs. Care for the wood is important - need to keep the banging around to a min.

Have not had to deal with Hammond, but I hear they're reasonable. The local guy in Dallas is a prince.

I have been playing a long time, and gig every chance I get. We're developing an old school R&B band now that gigs a lot. This thing is perfect for that situation. The price covers all three parts, xk3 [$2,000.00], lower cab [$2000.00] and stand [$600.00] and expression pedal $150.00]. The price is debateable, and I have read complaints of over-pricing. I guess it is just what it's worth to the individual. To me it's worth every penny to have something I can transport that is new, authentic, needs zero maintenence except for some lemon pledge on the keys, looks like a million, plays like this and is true to the sound. I'm going to have a case built for the lower cabinet, however. I was going to wait and get the "pro" model which looks lighter - but it's too euro for my taste. I needed the wood. There is something about having that thing sitting there with the band that improves the sound if only by appearances! Imagine, you sound better without practicing [just a joke, son...]. This is the ultimate in clonage!

The XK System is the variety of components that are used to turn the single-keyboard XK-3 Organ into a double-manual with pedals "B-3" type organ. The assembly of the parts was very simple, and the procedure of turning the single XK-3 into a "double" XK-3 (and back again) is a snap, I've got the whole procedure down to about 3 minutes.The Ham-Suz guys did their homework, by putting labels on the cables--Hey...that rhymes!
The XK-3 is already set-up for a second manual and pedals, so there is no learning curve. Just plug in the parts and get busy.

The XK-3 is the best "clone" out there, and when you add a second manual and pedals, you have most of a B-3. I call it a "B-2.8" There are reverse presets on the lower manual, and the proportions are just as they should be. Sit down at it, close your eyes, and you think you're playing a B-3. The vibrato and percussion controls are in the right place, and the drawbars are as well. The pedalboard is correct in feel and size--I've never seen a portable 25-note Hammond type pedalboard, so this is a treat indeed. All of the "Guts" are already in the XK-3, and there isn't a need to change your configurations when you pop the XK-3 out to play a "mobile" show. The whole package is rock solid, and the brackets hold the XK-3 in very securely. Yeah, it's a little heavy, but certainly lighter than moving a cut-down B-3. The 4-poster stand folds down conveniently. On the website, they offer panels to make it look like a C-3, but I prefer the "B" look.
I loved the XK-3 from the get-go, but adding the second keyboard and pedals took it to a whole new level-From a working standpoint, you can't get any closer to a B3 than this. and the versatility that this system offers even surpasses the big brother. Yes it costs a bundle, but it's worth every penny. No software clone has the feel. Some of the hardware clones can do a few decent sounds, but This puppy has ALL of them beat. The sound, the feel, the vibe, the BALLS---this is the Keyboard equivalent to a Corvette. The B-3 is a Ferrari. Get the picture? The B3 has a thing that "draws you into it". No clone (including the single XK-3) ever had that elusive quality. Drop the XK-3 into the system, and the magic spell unfolds. You can't take your hands off of it.
It's genius, I tell you.

The sounds of the XK-3 have been documented well here. The XK system adds no new sounds, so I'll go over what you can get with the system
It's a modular system, so you can buy exactly what you need.
If you already have an XK-3-it will work with the system. Unfortunately, the XK-2 and XB-2 wont fit. Neither will the Korg or Roland clones.
The basic part is the lower manual and case. This basically turns the XK-3 into a double-manual organ, much like a "cut-down" B-3. You attach the MIDI, power and headphone cables to the lower keyboard, drop your XK-3 in and attach the cables to the XK-3. You then bolt on the top, come around to the front and bolt in the finsished "lock-down" brackets in the front, turn it on, and BAM! you're done.
The next part is the stand, which collapses onto itself. This makes the XK-System look like a B-3. You can use the knurled screws to bolt the organ assembly onto the stand if you intend to move it, or use regular screws if you intend a permanent installation. You can change these at your convenience.
Next is the 25-note pedalboard with integrated swell (volume) pedal. 2 cables link it to the main organ. There is no power supply, etc. the pedals get their "juice" from the organ. Neat!
The last option is the finished bench which also collapses. I'm a pretty big boy, and the bench holds my fat ass without wobble or squeak.

The wood looks pretty sturdy, and it is made well. I'm going to get a few wire clips to secure the MIDI and power cables. The keyboard is the same high quality as the XK-3, and the pedals are console-organ quality--no cheap plastic crapola here.

Ham-Suz has always been great to deal with

The XK-3 is a one-keyboard B3, if you add another keyboard, and pedals, PLUS a 4-poster cabinet what do you think you get then? Correctamundo! Porsche brought out the Boxter to give the authentic Porsche experience to those who just couldn't reach the 911. This is the same concept. Nothing will ever beat the B3, but the XK System walks like a B, talks like a B, and plays like a B. You do the math.