Hammond CV

Because the CV--in its natural form--is simply the run/start switch, drawbars, bass pedals, the expression pedal, and vibrato controls, it is one of the easiest Hammonds to deal with. The rachet drawbars can be tricky when the drawbar is between numbers; the sound cuts out until the drawbar is placed EXACTLY on a number. This doesn't occur with the smooth drawbars.

The preset keys allow for a range of sound and fullness. They are good options to use in place of the drawbars (depending on the mood/setting).

Obviously, because Hammonds use the drawbar system to produce "voices" based on registration settings, the CV produces WONDERFUL tones and even seems to emit a richer, broader tone than the B3 (and other similar Hammonds). The depth of the CV speaks quite well. Likewise, the mids and the uppers project through the depth, allowing for a balanced blend of sound (again, based on registration).

The vibrato control (knob) allows for three levels of vibrato. Settings 1 (favorite) or 2 allow for decent sound; 3 is a bit much. Because my NORMAL VIBRATO/VIBRATO CHORUS toggle switch is inactive, I can not address the significance it makes on the organ's sound.

The keys are the RIGHT keys for playing jazz, blues, or gospel (even Rock-N-Roll). They are not those cheap platic keys with the sharp edges found on my L-112.

To maximize the organ's potential, I had to modify it. I replaced the ER-20 tone cabinet (still have it/it's MINT) with a Leslie 122A system; I replaced the stock preamp with a Trek II SSP3 preamp w/reverb unit; and, I added the Trek II TP-3B percussion. The organ sounded nice prior to the changes. Now, it sounds AWESOME!!! This baby screams and pings like a B3 while maintaining that BIG bass that the CV produces.

The NATURAL CV with the ER-20 tone cabinet was good for playing hymns in a small church chapel or for singing around the fireplace at home (get the picture?). However, when I added the Leslie, the organ was worthy of being played in a much larger church setting or even within a club as part of a jazz/blues combo. Once the new preamp and percussion were added, believe it or not, the sound/volume became even clearer and LOUDER. So now, I will put this baby on a stage outside and let it run its course against guitars and drums.

This particular CV had not been played much at all, though it is an original 1949 model. Because of this, it seems as though I am the only REAL player it has ever had; it feels new. The keys, the bass pedals, the expression pedal, and vibrato controls (other than the toggle switch) function well and produce the effects they're intended to produce. Also, the key click of the CV is simply awesome (now enhanced by the percussion unit)...very smooth, fluid keys. Bass pedals are easy to work with also (I usually keep them set at 8 4 when I have the manuals fully registered for concert performance). They produce a good, bold sound that cuts through and adds to the chords.

I can ABSOLUTELY depend on this organ to produce. Even before I replaced the stock preamp (it needs a rebuild...started making "gunshot" type noises through the tone cabinet and Leslie; I don't have the time nor patience to do it), I could count on GOOD sound and response from this organ once those tubes warmed up.

Now, since the preamp replacement, I don't have to "tap" the organ to rid myself of the "gunshot" sound. My kids would take cover each time I turned the organ on.

This CV gives me the pleasure I seek from a Hammond organ. I would professionally record this organ.

Never had to deal with Hammond-Suzuki. My customer support is through the techs I work with. I'm in Chicago; so, I have a few from which I can choose. I have worked with two so far: Frank Edwards serviced my L-112 and Mike of M&S Organ installed my Leslie and later installed the Trek II preamp, reverb unit, and percussion systems. These guys have been around a while and know Hammonds and Leslies pretty well. They are able to identify what works versus what doesn't without hesitation. Mike even explained his work and answered ALL my questions, giving some basic insights to the organs innerworkings.

Overall, I DO NOT want to trade my current organ and setup for another. Compared to many B3's I've heard and even other CV's, mine has a sound that is heavenly inspired. If this organ were to be recorded (played by a professional, of course), people would think it's a B3. Coupled with my daughter's Adagio KDP-8816 digital piano, this CV blends well. It solos well, too!

I got a DEAL on this organ: $330 for the organ w/pedals and bench plus a MINT (and I mean MINT) ER-20 tone cabinet with reverberation unit AND 2 six-pin leslie cables (one in awesome condition; the other in fair condition). The organ had just been serviced prior to my claiming it from a "real fun home" (funeral home, that is). The organ cabinet is BEAUTIFUL. So is the bench. A little Liquid Gold makes this baby a pageant contestant.

I got the the Trek II preamp (w/reverb) AND percussion slightly used for $475. Because the preamp was for a B3, I had to ship it to Mike at Trek II in Jersey so that he modded the preamp to properly support my CV. When I got it back just a week after I had sent it to him, it was a BRAND NEW preamp with a new reverberation unit (of course I paid a SMALL fee for the alterations and postage). This was simply wonderful. The most expensive thing I purchased was the 122A Leslie, which was $1590 for the Leslie, half-moon switch, kit, and installation service---not bad, I think. It, too, is gorgeous and matches the organ nicely.

I practice almost daily, and my skills are increasing tremendously. Jazz, blues, and gospel are my favorites.

This is a review of my experience with my CV. I got it off of ebay, and unlike the other reviewers down here, I spent about the average asking price across the nation for it (which is $500-$1,200). It wasn't a give away unfortunately. The ease I rated at a 5, because there is some involvement in getting your coordination down between the bass pedals, the two tiers, and adjusting the correct set of drawbars in short notice,.....but hey, that's with ANY organ, so if you are savvy, then rock and roll. I had to get used to it, but I really love it.

The action of the keys is just like the other famous Hammonds. It's not really a waterfall, but that's the closest adjective I have for the action. I personally think that they are just BARELY heavier than a waterfall, but way lighter than like a hammer action on a piano. The polyphony of the drawbars is amazing just as with the famous Hammond sound. If you are unfamiliar with the sound the drawbars give, then look it up. The drawars actually add such an original sound because of the different harmonics you are able to create with their settings. The CV has a vibrato effect on two different settings. There is one switch at the top of the console (not a leslie switch) that initiates a vibrato sound for chorus vibrato or normal vibrato. There is also a dial just above the top tier on the left by the presets that allows for different levels of vibrato. If you are totally new to the Hammond, there are presets already built in at the lower end of the two tiers of keyboards. They range in loudness from ppp to ff. Then there are the two presets that allow for two different sets of drawbar settings. When you're looking at the drawbars, the left two sets control the upper tier, and the right two sets control the bottom tier. Also, there are two individual drawbars in the middle, and those control the bass pedals. Of course for the sound of the B3, if is possible to expand and get a percussion element to simulate the famous attacking bell sound of the B3. The TREK II brand offers these, and so do independent companies. The cheapest I found was about $160, which is cheaper than buying directly from TREK II. The Leslie install is a must if you get a CV without a Leslie (like I did). As soon as the budget will allow it, I'm going to get a Leslie, and a Leslie run switch installed. Once you have your TREK II Percussion element installed, and the Leslie, you essentially have a B3, which is a way cheaper alternative, and should you ever decide you want to "chop" your Hammond, I'd chop a CV over a B3 any day if you just had to have it chopped for the road.

As I mentioned earlier, a Leslie is a must. You can't have one without the other. When I bought this CV it came with two Hammond Tone Cabinets that are monsters. They are about 4-5 feet tall, and put out some serious sound. The voltage alone is 150V for each. When you are looking for your organ, you will notice that there are a variety of cabinets that will be offered with the CV over the offering of a Leslie. The CVs were made for church, not for rockin'. However, my church loves to rock, so it's all good. Ha. Ok, so my tip in this area, is that if you find a CV for a great price, but no Leslie, go ahead. You can at least get used to your new baby while finding a Leslie, and you may be saving some serious cash. CV's that have Leslies offered with them usually are higher in price, but with good reason. A brand new great 122 Leslie ranges around the 2k mark (I'd find a good used one, they are the same in durability as the Hammond, they didn't make crap back then). Plus if it has a Leslie, chances are it has TREK II percussion installed also, and this adds to the price. So, if you have the money go ahead. If you don't have the money, find one that is a "fix-r-up-r" and take the pride in knowing that you were the one that made the modifications.

These beasts are indestructible. Emerson used to beat his to a pulp, but I'm sure on his scale of beating, he went through a few. The CV was made from 1945-1949, so they have been around for a while. MAKE SURE that when you are transporting the organ, that you bolt down the tone generator. for the layman, the tone generator is a metal box that runs the entire length of the organ on the bottom half of the cavity inside organ. So when you take off the back panel, go to the bottom level, and then directly underneath on the outside of the cavity there are 6 bolts that are used to secure the tone generator when in motion. Make sure that these are snug but not super tight. You don't want any movement of the tone generator while it is being moved for risk of damaging the tone generator, then you have a pretty piece of artwork that takes up a bunch of room.

I saw another rating on this page and it said "Good Luck" and he is totally right on. I did find a useful number however, do a search for "The Hammond Organ Center" our of PA. They were very helpful to me, and gave me some great tips in the restoration of my CV.

Good Luck to all of you! I had a good experience with mine from first bid to last play. eBay is a great shopping tool. Don't forget to check your thrift stores! I found a Hammond Concord in there once for like $75! Hammonds are everywhere, you just have to know where to look. If you want to see a video over my CV restoration, and hear my CV organ, go here: www.youtube.com/nurseeroc

This posting is for anyone who is relatively new to the Hammond world and is considering purchasing or otherwise acquiring (they've been known to be give-aways) a Hammond CV or BV organ. Chances are if you're considering one, it's because you cannot or will not shell out the big bucks for a B3, but you want to get close to the sound. A CV (or BV, which is the same thing inside different furniture) is indeed a viable option - - and there is truly nothing like a real-deal Hammond, but there are things you should be aware of before you stumble into Hammond ownership, so read on.

A CV has the heart of the Hammond sound, with the exception of "percusion" (and the different vibrato discussed by other reviewers here.) For the uninitiated, Percussion means the little "ping" sound that you hear on Hammond solos in so much popular music. Listen to the organ solo in "Green-Eyed Lady" and you'll hear it clearly. This ping sound is cool, but not absolutely essential for a lot of Hammond applications (held chords, primarily.)

What IS essential, IMNSHO, is a 2-speed Leslie speaker to get the big sound you've heard a zillion times, and the cool speed-up / slow-down effects that a clever Hammond players uses to create a dynamic sound. You can read about Leslies lots of places, so take time to educate yourself. But if you don't get a Leslie, and aren't a traditional church or AGO organist, I can pretty much guarantee you'll be at least a little frustrated/disappointed with the stock Hammond-only sound.

And to get a good-sounding Leslie (models 122, 142, 147 and 145 are the most coveted, though the 222 and 247 are the same thing in a cheesy "home-use" cabinet), plan on spending close to $1,000 by the time you're done. This will include the speaker, a 6-pin cable to connect to your Hammond, a wiring kit, and a switch to change speeds. Ouch, but true. You won't regret it, though. There are slightly cheaper options (single speeds like the 21, 22, 44, 46, 51; and the solid states like the 760, 770, 842, 900, etc., but ya really get what ya pay for. Again, do your homework.)

More on the CV: In addition to the above, the biggest difference between a CV or BV and the more "modern" Hammonds, like the B2's, B3's, C2's, C3's and A-100's (other than percussion), is that - - SURPRISE! - - the system is not completely self-powered. This means you need an outside direct-current (DC) power source if you even want a signal to come out of the pre-amp.

Remember, that with the exception of the A-100 above, all big Hammonds need an external power amp and speakers. Hammond made their own tone cabinets, but Leslies were are still are the way to go for "The Sound."

Why no DC source on th BV and CV? Don't ask, it's just the way they made 'em. Originally, the DC came from either a Hammond tone cabinet or the Leslie 22/122 models, which were configured to ship back some of their DC current that they created for their power amps. But the 147/145/47/45 series will give you zero sound unless you wire in what they call a "B+" power source.

These are pretty simple, small (about 4"x3"x3") and can be obtained from Trek-II or Speakeasy (google 'em) for around $100 and are a simple 4-wire screw-driver application. You will then need to re-wire the six-pin output socket that's on the CV. If I've lost you on all this, consult with a Hammond service tech. Be aware though: I'm told that the DC power source can kill with its 250 volts. I haven't tested this out personally (which may explain why I'm alive enough to write this), but I am willing to trust the technicians on this. And it can kill even when unplugged. So PLEASE, PLEASE, don't go messing with DC / B+ power unless you know what you are doing.

My point in all of this is so say that, there's really no such thing a "Free" Hammond if you want the Leslie sound (if you're just going to plug into an old HR-40 tone cabinet, fine. But there's a reason why they're so cheap: they don't sound nearly as cool as a Leslie. Nice, but not the same.) So plan on either having a Pro technician wire it up, or if you're knowledgable about things electrical, plan on doing your homework. Otherwise you have a 300 lb. paperweight.

If you do all of the above, you'll make it to Hammond/Leslie Heaven and life will never be the same (for the better, that is.) It's not as complicated as it sounds, and hey it's only money.

Is it all worth it? Well, go play the famous scene in the movie "When Harry Met Sally" in which Meg Ryan is in the restaurant demonstrating to Billy Crystal how to fake the Big "O." Remove the "fake" element, and you'll get an idea of how it feels the first time you play your full-functioning Hammond-Leslie axe. It's out of this world, and there is nothing like it.

Oil your Hammond once a year with only Hammond oil and play it regular and it will last forever. And, this is critical: Do not move your Hammond without locking down the tone generator. If this doesn't mean anything to you, ask any tech, Hammond organ owner, or do your homework (start with "theatreorgans.com" in the Hammond FAQ section.) It's just four bolts that you flip around and tighten down in order to secure the generator in place (it normally "floats" on springs to avoid transmitting vibrations to the cabinet, which can create hum.) But if you don't do this, there's a good chance you'll flat out kill your Hammond when you move it, which is about the worst thing you can do, next to putting your tongue on the B+ power source (which you may in fact be tempted to do after you've destroyed your tone generator.)

Ha! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!

CV's were last produced in 1949, meaning the youngest CV's are nearly 60 years old. The good news is that there are lots of die-hard owners and techs willing to share knowledge. Again, go on the 'Net and do your homework. You'll make some really good friends, too.

Old Hammonds are things of infinite beauty. You are doing something intrinsically good if you find one that's been sitting and you nurse it back to life. Don't give up on it, don't even THINK about "chopping it" (that is, trying to cut off various parts of wood off to make it lighter; it's the metal that makes all the weight, not the wood.) Besides, there are really cool implements for moving these (google Roll-or-Kari.) You'll be in the brotherhood/sisterhood of Hammonds and life will be good. And people don't steal a Hammond, not by themselves anyway, so it's not a problem. Enjoy and prosper. And allow me take this opportunity here to thank everybody who has mentored me in Hammondology and Hammond maintenance. You guys are the salt of the earth. Now let all of us go play our Hammonds.

Ease of use is pretty simple. made circa 1946.
I presently use a Roland kc-300 amp for a speaker until I get the cash up to get new tubes for the Leslie model 142 that has a leslie 122 Power Amplifier(but the previous owners stored both in a barn,somewhere down the road,the tubes for the leslie got smashed.)
the Hammond CV has a 30-35 watt amp built into it which would be fine in a small room, but

to manuals(keyboards)
Has several different sound presets on the left side.
each manual has its own set of presets which are identical,
so you could have an oboe on one manual while you have a trumpet on the other.

it has a vibrato/chorus switch but I think this only works with the
leslie amp.

the coolest thing is playing it after you turn it off until the tubes/amp powers down. I plan on recording it while it does this!

its got a nice variance of sounds but I don't favor the key clicking that comes through the monitor input on my kc-300 amp,
perhaps the leslie 142 will smooth the clicking out some(its my hope).

I would like to think it is dependable but I wouldn't bother to ever
gig it due to the simple fact it weighs a herniating 300+ pounds.
it would be much easier to sample it and load the wav files onto a smaller/lighter synth.

None. I cleaned it up when I got it and checked it out myself.
I haven't needed anything that I couldn't do myself.
It still has the tubes it had when I got it...FREE!

I got a great deal, a friend called said "...there are a couple organs and stuff in my cousins barn, its going on a burn pile if you don't want it" Of course I said "bring it over now!, of course I want it!!!"
When they showed up, I was given a Hammond CV with the legs chopped(previous owners apparently did some gigging w/ it)and a new stand with heavy duty casters for easier transport,
a Leslie 142 Cabinet in great condition(says 192 watts on back of cabinet,can't wait to piss off my neighbor) all except for the busted vacuum tubes on the Leslie 122 Power Amplifier and the heavy duty casters which probally lower its value but make moving it way easier,I even got all the cables for these hefty monsters and lastly
I got an ELKA Panther 300 Combo Organ that was/is more or less showroom quality(I later found out the partridge family used some ELKA combo organs, its red & black and looks kinda like a vox continental only with more controls),it probally weighs 75-100 pounds.

If It was stolen I would probally get a korg triton studio and max the expansion boards & memory out.

I also own a Wurlitzer Organ Model 44 and a little Organaire Chord Organ as well as various guitars and basses.

if I would have not got everything for free my rating in this category would probally be a 4 or 5, because I could buy a korg triton or comparable synth for about what all this would cost and get better value and more features.

Aside from the obvoius weight(350+ pounds) it's a true Hammond tone wheel organ. It's an affordable way for the for the working musician to own a Hammond without paying excessive amounts for a collectable B3. The major difference between a BV/CV and a B3/C3 is the lack of the percussion unit. There are after-market solid state percussion units available for a couple hundred bucks (plus the install if done by a tech.) I personally have grown to prefer my Trek II percussion because it's far mor versatile.

There are also differences in the pre-amp. When using the Vibrato/Chorus you can't split between manuals. If it's on...it's on for both the upper and lower manuals. These are small issues when considering the cost difference. I paid $300 for my CV.

All the features you could expect from a Hammond console organ. Two 61 note keyboards (manuals) Two seperate sets of draw bars for each manual and roughly two octives of bass pedals.

I've been told that on the later B models (ie. the B3) they folded back the lower octives to save money on manufacuring. I don't know if this is true because I'm not a tech. What I can tell you is I've owned a 1973 B3, a 1946 CV, a 1946 BV, and a 1948 BV. I get a lot more chunk in the lower octives from both of my BV's and my CV than I did from my B3. B3 was brighter because of the newer capacitors but lacked alot of balls in the low end. Just my opinion.

It's 60 years old and I still play gigs with it. As with any piece of vintage gear, that uses tubes, common sense should prevail when transporting it.

Not available from the manufacturer from what I can tell. Find a good tech who knows these beasts. Your best bet is one who's over 50!

This is the best way for a working musician to get the real deal at a fair price!

If you're familiar with the B3/C3 or any other old Hammond Tonewheel organ, you will have no problem working your way around this one.

This instrument along with it's sister, the BV, are predecessors of the B2/C2 and the B3/C3. Even though this organ is 2 models above the B3, it is virtually identical. This is another one of those 350lb organs! Biggest difference between CV and the B3/C3 was the lack of percussion (upgrades are available and easy to install). Once installed on my organ, I can't really complain. This instrument also has the old ratchet style drawbars (Upgrade to smooth drawbars also available).

This is a big, bad Hammond tonewheel organ! It sounds and reacts like one.
I've spoken to some people in the know concerning these old beasts and was suprised to hear that the subtle differences in the preamp construction between the CV and the newer models (i.e. the B3) may actually give the CV a slightly BETTER sound. I'm not a tech myself, but I know it has to do with larger tubes in the CV as opposed to some of the smaller ones in the B3. I guess when a player is really pushing the BV/CV preamp can take more before sacrificing harmonics and the like. If you want the real story, talk to a tech.

These organs have quite a track record. My CV dates back to 1946 and still plays very nicely with only one major problem. While installing my Leslie connector kit, I noticed that the the red and black wires at the speaker plug on the organ were very brittle. When I touched these two, the insulstion just fell off (I wasn't really suprised, this organ is almost 60 years old!!!). I had to replace the whole speaker cable in the organ (nominal expense) so I wouldn't accidentally short something out. Other than this, it works like a charm.
I do want to get my tech out here to give it a good once over. It never hurts just to be sure.

Shop around for a tech/repair specialist in your area. They are your best bet. I didn't even bother to call Hammond-Suzuki about this instrument.

If you are looking for a true, authentic Hammond Organ with the big traditional sound, and don't want to spend a small fortune on a B3, this organ is definetely worth a look if you can find one. With a few minor upgrades (and a Leslie 122, but that's another story) this organ can hang with any B3.