Hammond M101

(Originally written by TeDire/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Phonic wheels organ built in 1967... So no Midi, no controllers, etc.

44 keys (two keyboards), integrated speakers, unlimited polyphony, volume pedal, tube amp, 13 bass pedals, spring reverb, 9 drawbars for the top keyboard, 8 drawbars for the bottom keyboard. The percussions and vibrato scanner are very similar to the B3. The instrument weights 242 lb. so it's not easy to transport.

This organ belongs to the Spinet family. Unlike console models (B3, C3, A100), which where often used by professional musicians, they were conceived for amateur musicians. So the sound range is less wide than console models...

Among Spinet models you'll find the L100, T100... but the M100 is different due to its tube amp and its vibrato scanner, which are almost the same as on the B3.

This organ was used by Rick Wright in the early Pick Floyd years (until Obscured By Clouds)...

UTILIZATION

Is it easy to make settings?

Yes, it's very easy and you'll quickly get used to it.

- Is it easy to edit sounds or effects?

The preset editing tabs are very practical. But they don't age very well.

- Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?

No user's manual.

SOUNDS

Do the sound presets fit your music style?

Yes.

- Are they authentic?

Of course...

- Are the effects effective and do they suit your application?

I don't use the reverb but it sounds very good...

- Which sounds do you prefer / hate?...

I connect it to a Leslie 122 cabinet. Huge sound!

The sound of the speakers is not very good.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you been using it?

Three years.

- Which feature do you like the most / the least?

Pros: classy, sound, vintage.

Cons: weight, plastic keys, not very convenient, average speakers.

- Did you try any other models before buying it?

No

- How would you rate its value for money?

It's the Hammond organ with the best value for money. It's three times cheaper than a C3. With a Leslie cabinet you get a Hammond sound even if it isn't quite the sound of a real B3.

- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

Main advantages: sound, vintage, service (it's always possible to repair a Hammond organ if you have spare parts... and you'll find them very easily on the web). Nevertheless, the quality of digital Hammond clones increased during the last years and many manufacturers offer very good instruments that reproduce almost perfectly the sound of a real B3. So you don't need such a bulky and heavy instrument anymore unless you're a vintage fan... That's the reason why I give it only an 8.

But I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again because I don't play live on stage. My M100 stays in my home studio...