Just used my Porta-B out for the 1st time

[tomnardozza]

....glad none of you bought it when i was thinking about selling!!!!!!    That's it, just a meaningless post!

[Fred]

Word. I got a (late '60's?)Hammond X2 (not to be confused with an XK2). If you're Porta B is a later transistorized model like mine, they really scream! If it isn't all solid state, well then... here's another meaningless post...

[Clavier]

The Porta-B is a tonewheel organ.

Pics, or it didn't happen!!

(meaningless post three...)

[tomnardozza]

no pics from the show....but i may have some from the chiropractor's office the next day!!  never thought i'd say "i'd rather carry a Rhodes"!

[jus]

I've heard mixed reviews about the porta-b  and yours being one of the bad ones. I'm glad it worked out, I've always wanted to try a porta-b. I know this is what everyone says, but there is definitely something missing playing my nord. I love the thing, but it's not a real tonewheel, and I don't think anything will ever be the same.

[tomnardozza]

mine's a tonewheel....i have the  older? model with the bass option for the bottom keys

[Clavier]

Do you have any pics of it? Every single one I've ever seen was a train wreck, but if I come across another in the future, I'm going to restore it for my gig organ.

[Spaceduck]

Do you have any pics of it? Every single one I've ever seen was a train wreck, but if I come across another in the future, I'm going to restore it for my gig organ.

Hey Clav, check out mine. You're right; people tend to trash these things, but I got lucky and bought mine from someone who treated it well. I see a lot of beat uppers, usually with ludicrous price tags. We should all remember that a Porta B is nothing more than an L chop! But with that said, it's a nifty lil Hammond that can be hauled in a standard sized car. That's gotta be worth something  

Also (like any L series) you can do some really cool mods if you're technically inclined. The guy I bought mine from was really helpful and showed me exactly how to do it all... adding foldback, effects loop, 10th&12th harmonics like the M3 and sub fundamental 16'. With a screwdriver & some solder you can really make this thing growl & scream. I've got schematics somewhere if anyone's interested.

[tomnardozza]

not sure how to add pics

[Clavier]

Spaceduck,

That's hot stuff! I've never seen one of those in such good condition! Good score indeed!  

That would be so perfect in my live rig. I can see it now:

-Porta B w/ the L mods
-Rhodes Stage 54 to the left
-Micromoog on top of Hammond
-Korg DW-6000 on top of Rhodes
-Yamaha C-605P or CSY-2A to the right of the Hammond
-Moog Taurus under the Rhodes
-A patch bay and mixer
-a bunch of vintage effects and a wah

yyyyyyeeeeeesssssss!  

[Spaceduck]

Spaceduck,

That's hot stuff! I've never seen one of those in such good condition! Good score indeed!  

That would be so perfect in my live rig. I can see it now:

-Porta B w/ the L mods
-Rhodes Stage 54 to the left
-Micromoog on top of Hammond
-Korg DW-6000 on top of Rhodes
-Yamaha C-605P or CSY-2A to the right of the Hammond
-Moog Taurus under the Rhodes
-A patch bay and mixer
-a bunch of vintage effects and a wah

yyyyyyeeeeeesssssss!  

Cool, one of those keyboard rigs you need a ladder to climb into! I like your style

Btw the DW-6000 was my first keyboard ever! I loved that thing. For solos, that "UNISON" button was pure magic. Alas, the keyboard just sorta vanished one day. I guess that's one good thing about a Hammond... it's not going to just disappear under someone's arm.

[Clavier]

Actually, the beauty of that setup is that it could be condensed into a C shape so that all of it can be played from one position!  

[The Real MC]

I have been a happy owner of a Porta-B and Leslie 760 since 1981.  I will never sell them.  This particular Porta-B has a screaming tone despite hammond snobs dissing it as an "L", and every snob who tried my Porta-B commented on how good it sounded.