KB3 Programs
Introducing KB3 Programs
D-1
Appendix D
KB3 Programs
Introducing KB3 Programs
There’s nothing quite like the sound of the classic Hammond™ B-3 tone wheel organ,
especially when played through a Leslie™ rotating speaker system. We’ve done extensive
testing and analysis with several tone wheel organs, and created our own models to emulate
the unique tone wheel sound. We even took into account the way that older organs start to
sound different (and arguably better) as their capacitors begin to leak—and we included a
parameter that varies the amount of grunge (leakage) in your sound.
First Some History
Countless blues, jazz, and rock recordings have centered around the distinctive sound created
by classic tone wheel organs (such as the Hammond B-3) played through rotating speaker
systems like the Leslie. Not only is the sound great, but it’s supremely versatile, since the
player can control timbre in real-time by adjusting drawbars that add or remove harmonics
from the fundamental tone. Other cool sound-shaping tools include a percussive emphasis
that can be added to each note and the capability to change speaker rotation speed. Many
people, in fact, feel that the tone wheel organ was the first popular synthesizer. And although
these organs haven’t been made for years, they are still sought after, restored, and lugged
about by legions of dedicated keyboard players. This despite archaic electronics, inscrutable
wiring, and an unwieldy heft that tops 400 pounds.
Duplicating the sound and flexibility of these organs – without the nasty side effects – is the
goal of KB3 Mode.
KB3 Improvements in the Forte
KB3 Programs in the Forte contain improvements over previous Kurzweil models including
improved Leslie emulation Chains, Key Click, Leakage, and cabinet emulation.
Also, KB3 programs that emulate Hammond organs do not use any of the Forte’s 128 voices
of polyphony (this does not apply to KB3 Programs that emulate Vox or Farfisa organs).
