Hi Ken,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The basic Hammond organ design (using tonewheels and electromagnetic pickups) was patented in 1934 by Laurens Hammond, who filed U.S. Patent 1,956,350 (“Electrical Musical Instrument”). That patent covered the tonewheel generator system, which is the heart of every classic Hammond, including the later B-3. The first production Hammond organs (the Model A) began shipping in 1935.

The B-3 model itself was introduced in 1954 and produced until 1974, but it did not require a brand-new patent. It is one of the most iconic instruments of the 20th century, especially in jazz, gospel, blues, and rock. Its uniqueness comes from a combination of its engineering, sound production method, and cultural impact. Instead of reeds, pipes, or oscillators, the B-3 generates sound using rotating metal tonewheels inside an electromagnetic pickup system. This produces a rich, warm, and slightly imperfect tone that feels “alive.” Nine drawbars per manual let players shape tones like mixing paint colors. This gives near-infinite timbral control, letting a single organ imitate strings, brass, or unique hybrid tones. Two 61-note keyboards (upper and lower) and a 25-note pedalboard give players orchestral possibilities—bass lines, comping, and melodies all at once. The B-3 introduced percussive “click” effects on the attack of a note, adding punch and rhythm that became part of its signature sound.

Though not built in, the Hammond B-3 is almost always paired with a Leslie rotating speaker. The Doppler effect from the spinning horn and drum creates that swirling, shimmering, almost vocal quality people instantly associate with the Hammond.

Without a serial number to pinpoint the date, my value is based on an overview of Hammond B-3s made between 1954 and the 1070s, when the model was taken out of production. Note that while refurbished examples can RETAIL for between $15,000 and $25,000, ones sold at auction usually sell between $7,000 and $10,000 in "as-is" condition.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Hammond B-3 organ
with Leslie 122 speaker
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: client describes this as being in excellent condition
PROVENANCE: Acquired from a gallery or dealer
$7,000-10,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia