Hammond organs are some of the most iconic and recognizable instruments in the history of music. Developed by Laurens Hammond in the 1930s, Hammond organs are still used today by countless musicians in many genres of music. But how do these instruments actually work?
The inner workings of a Hammond organ are quite complex, but can be broken down into a few key components. At the heart of the organ is the tone wheel generator. This is a motor-driven device that contains a series of metal wheels that rotate at various speeds. As the wheels rotate, they create various tones by vibrating electromagnets, which in turn create sound waves that are sent to the organ’s speaker.
The organ also has a series of drawbars that control the sound of the instrument. Each drawbar is connected to a specific set of tone wheels and can be used to adjust the volume and tone of the organ. Many Hammond organs also feature a set of percussion buttons, which can be used to add accents and other effects to the sound of the instrument.
The sound of a Hammond organ is further enhanced by its unique Leslie speaker. This speaker uses a rotating set of horns to create a vibrato effect, which gives the instrument its signature sound. The Leslie speaker also has an internal amplifier, which boosts the sound of the organ.
Finally, the Hammond organ uses a series of keys to play the instrument. Each key is connected to a set of tone wheels, and pressing a key causes the corresponding tone wheel to rotate. This creates the sound that is heard when the organ is played.
Hammond organs are incredibly versatile instruments, capable of producing a wide range of sounds and tones. With its unique design and sound, the Hammond organ has been an integral part of music for more than 80 years, and it looks likely to remain a staple of music for many years to come.