Hammond A102

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I echo the arguments of Patrick who wrote an opinion on the A100 model (identical in all respects except for the A102 model carpentry -> Version Chippendale Cherry, made ​​in USA Chicago Jan 1961 to Oct 1965)

Tone Wheel Organ (electromagnetic), 2 5-octave keyboard type water fall with radial pedalboard of 25 notes.

2 sets of 9 drawbars (set drawbar) 12 preset buttons (9 Preset, 2 Custom drawbar set # # A and B, 1 cancel) keyboard and two drawbars for the pedals (16 foot and 8 foot).

Toggle buttons for vibrato / chorus on the upper keyboard and / or below, percussion (second / third, depth, fast / slow) and low volume.
Notched rotary knob to select one of three vibrato (V1, V2, V3) or chorus (C1, C2, C3).
Rotary control to adjust the length of the spring reverb.

Connectors available (taken to his cabin right external model: PR40)
Adapter required (as a kit) to connect a Leslie cab type or to add an exit row or an insert effect.

Polyphony

UTILIZATION

When you know a console Hammond ABC, we know them all! The layout of controls and the sound has hardly changed during the life of the instrument (from 1955 to 1975) and this whatever the model.
We can not say the same of today's electronic keyboards, organs, whatever the brand!

not my words but Patrice (and rightly)

SOUNDS

The archetype of the Hammond, the same as a B3, C3, RT3 or D100.
For classical, jazz, rock, reggae, R & B, blues (non-exhaustive list ...)

Often imitated but never equaled, sound Hammond (phonic wheel) is the reference you want to interpret the Jazz on keyboards ...

Note: Due to the aging of components, the state of keyboards (worn felt and lateral play), the type of lamps, age of the performer, etc. ... Each organ has its own sound makes this instrument a single model.

OVERALL OPINION

I do not use it often enough because it lacks the time when it is not your "professional" but I intend to catch me when the time came for retirement

Whether you're a purist amateur "or a lover of his legendary organist, do not pass to rate this model combines the reputation of B3 with an internal challenge to use it at home in a beautiful piece of furniture that will delight your eyes and your ears and those of your guests (e) s.

It can not be judgmental about a possible "value for money" because they are models "vintages" that are no longer built for very many years.
However you can find offers to sell at a price much cheaper than consoles B3 (model "portable" without amplification).
Scarcity by the price, it is not easy to dig up the "gem" in good technical condition and cosmetics!