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I have a Hammond "Special Edition Model 8214" that a friend gave to me.

Here's a pic of one in great condition - http://newjersey.craigslist.org/msg/1428234420.html

Mine isn't in great condition, but it also has bass pedals.

I've just started to check it out, but have no idea what all of these slider-thingies do, or the flipper thingies, or much of anything else, really. The volume on the thing goes up & down on its own, so there's likely a short in it somewhere, & the Leslie unit doesn't seem to work at all.

Where can I get info on this?

Is this thing gonna be worth my time & dollars to fix?

Where does one find info on these older, rarer keyboards?

Hi Phil .. 8214 is a Spinet Model. I think it was made in the late 70's just before Hammond went broke. I believe this is a electronic model and may at best be worth $100 if it was in good working order, so I wouldn't send to much on it. The poor sound from these electronic models, compared to the classic tone-generator models (B3) had a lot to do with Hammond going broke.

The sliders are called drawbars and they are labeled 16 / 8 / 4 etc. This is the lenght of pipe .. like a pipe organ and they give you the different voices that are classic Hammond sound.

But because your is electronic .. I have not idea how close to the classic Hammond sound (B3) it would generate ... I've never played an electronic Hammond.

Classic drawbars settings are

888000000 / 888000000 for blues / Santana etc

888860000 / 888000000 for hard rock

888000650 / 686000222 is what I use a lot but I'm always pull'in and push'ing drawbar during a song but my standard setting starting poition is

888000000 / 686000222

Ron

OMG! Thank you so much, Ron! Now, if only I can get the thing to work a bit...

Phil,
I believe Ron is right about that being a transistor organ (as opposed to the coveted mechanical tone wheel type.)

All Hammond's are not created equal!

There is probably enough Arsenic and Cadmium in that calliopee to kill a horse! QUICK! ... landfill the friggin' thing while you still have the chance! (Ever wonder why all the old ladys that bought those things are now dead?.)

ps,
save the wood. Makes good firewood, but for God's sake... DON'T BURN THE CAPACITERS!

HJ

Well, so far it's a great toy for a 2 yr old. Jace loves banging on the thing, so i'll keep ut around for a bit, anyway, until he tires of it.

Thanks guys, for the valuable info!