Vibrato

• Vibrato is a musical technique involving pitch modulation. Singers, guitarists and violinists all add vibrato to their notes by gently modulating the pitch of a note, either by manipulating the vocal chords or slightly bending the string. Hammond organs feature a vibrato effect that approximates pitch modulation. The vibrato controls are situated on the Hammond organ control panel. You can set them for a gentle, pulsing vibrato or a more intense "wobbling" sound.
  
  

Chorus

• The digital version of the B3 organ features a chorus effect. Chorus is similar to vibrato in that it relies on modulation. But rather than modulating pitch, the chorus effect is created by a delay. The chorus-effect processor splits the organ signal into two. The first note is amplified normally, while the second note is delayed and then amplified. This creates a phasing effect, as two identical notes are ringing out at the same time. The "Depth" setting dictates the time between the first and second note. As a note rings, the delay is modulated to create a "fluttering" sound that is very characteristic of the classic Hammond sound.
  
  

Overdrive

• This effect is typically associated with electric guitars. Overdrive is created in the amplifier section. When amplifier tubes are driven hard, they create extra harmonics. These extra harmonics alter the shape of the sound wave and create overdrive.
  
  

Swell

• With the swell effect engaged, each note gradually increases in volume. The signal is attenuated to zero and gradually strengthened. Since the note is muted at the very beginning, the sound of the note being hit is absent. All that remains is the swell of the note as it grows in volume.
  
  

Bass Pedals

• The bass pedals are a prominent and distinguishing feature of all Hammond organs. While you play melody and chords with your hands, you engage the bass pedals to create powerful-sounding bass notes.
  
  

Speed Switch

• The rotating Leslie speaker has a distinctive sound. Because it is a rotary speaker, it projects sound while moving, creating a swirling sound. The Hammond is equipped with a speed switch that lets you control the speed at which the speaker rotates. Set it low for gentle, swirling sounds or set it high for intense, pulsing sounds.