Leslie sound from a digital keybd?

[jeffbrown]

Does anyone know of a modern electronic keyboard maker/model that can reproduce the sound of a Leslie speaker (think Hammond B3 & Leslie combination)? I'm wanting that effect where the speaker starts rotating and then slows and stops.

TIA

[anonymous02282011]

The Nord electro does a decent enough B3, but I've always felt that only a Leslie sounds like a Leslie.

[deaf pea]

The MotionSound products work well . . .

[chuck3]

Originally Posted by adbass

The Nord electro does a decent enough B3, but I've always felt that only a Leslie sounds like a Leslie.

^^^^
Nord Electro 2, very nice emulation of a B3. Obviously only a Leslie sounds like a Leslie. On the other hand, last time I played in a band with a Leslie, the organist had to drive it to gigs in his family's boat, in a trailer. (Not kidding.)

[Bard2dbone]

I love the Nord and wish I could afford one.

But I can't. So I get by with an Alesis QS 8.1 and in stead of using the Hammond-with-a-Leslie patches, which are okay, I use the Hammond-without-the-Leslie patches and run them in to a Roto-Sim pedal.

It's funny to me that guitar players will say the Roto-Sim is just a so-so Leslie emulator, but running a keyboard through it is awesome.

[jeffbrown]

Thanks, folks! I'll take a look at your suggestions.

[azureblue]

any of the Yamaha Motif series, and they have drawbars, too.

But for cheap, the old Ensoniq SQ series, like the SQR, had a killer global leslie effect- low speed, high speed, distortion, width, rate of spin up and down. The B3 sounds were pretty good too, and modifiable.

[woodsideh]

I am also an old keyboard player. I dragged around a B3 and 2 Leslies back in the 70's (not to mention the Rhodes). Anyway, it is really hard to get a true B3/Leslie sound from anything other than a B3/Leslie. Our keyboard player uses a Korg CX3 and it is as close to a B3 as I have heard. He has a chopped B3 and Leslie 147 that he keeps in the trailer for larger gigs. Hammond (Japan) makes some good clones also.

[deaf pea]

Originally Posted by woodsideh

...Hammond (Japan) makes some good clones also.

If you're refering to Hammond/Suzuki, our band has a Hammond/Suzuki XK-1 and a Motion Sound PRO-3 (Leslie simulator) that pretty much nails the B3/Leslie sound . . .
the Motion Sound PRO-3 has a pair of rotating horns for the highs and a simulator for the lows . . . . . .

you really need a Motion Sound PRO-3 (or another Motion Sound product) to nail that elusive (acoustic) Leslie sound . . .

EDIT: or a REAL Leslie . . .

[DaZombieWoof]

There is something though about the real thing, the smell of machine oil and dust baking on tubes. Having helped hump a B3 and Leslie around for a band before, I understand the charm of the simulations.

[poorbassist15]

If you want the closest to a real 122/147, get the Neo Instruments Venilator.

Neo Instruments / Ventilator - Features

From what I've heard on YouTube, it is the best Leslie sim I've ever heard.


Digital keyboards, try the Korg organ(can't remember model), or a Hammond Xk-3 or an XK-1. IMO, both of their Leslie sims suck, though.

[Bard2dbone]

Originally Posted by poorbassist15

If you want the closest to a real 122/147, get the Neo Instruments Venilator.

Neo Instruments / Ventilator - Features

From what I've heard on YouTube, it is the best Leslie sim I've ever heard.


Digital keyboards, try the Korg organ(can't remember model), or a Hammond Xk-3 or an XK-1. IMO, both of their Leslie sims suck, though.

Then try that keyboard through a Roto-Sim. Maybe you'll be lucky.

I'm a piss-poor-to-mediocre keyboardist. I'd never hire me for my band. But I've played in several bands that had the old-fashioned 'real' keyboard rigs.

My first professional gig, I thought they hired me for my awesome bass skills. Apparently they actually hired me for my strong back. Our keyboardist used what was then considered a 'complete' touring rig: a B3 with Leslie, a Rhodes 88 on the suitcase from 76, and a Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand. My SVT was the least strenous part of load out. That was the only band I ever worked with that had their own tour bus. And I was SO glad they had it. I'd hate to have to put that load in a regular van.

[poorbassist15]

Originally Posted by Bard2dbone

Then try that keyboard through a Roto-Sim. Maybe you'll be lucky.

I'm a piss-poor-to-mediocre keyboardist. I'd never hire me for my band. But I've played in several bands that had the old-fashioned 'real' keyboard rigs.

My first professional gig, I thought they hired me for my awesome bass skills. Apparently they actually hired me for my strong back. Our keyboardist used what was then considered a 'complete' touring rig: a B3 with Leslie, a Rhodes 88 on the suitcase from 76, and a Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand. My SVT was the least strenous part of load out. That was the only band I ever worked with that had their own tour bus. And I was SO glad they had it. I'd hate to have to put that load in a regular van.

God, it seems that much weight would blow out the tires...

[prd004]

Originally Posted by adbass

The Nord electro does a decent enough B3, but I've always felt that only a Leslie sounds like a Leslie.

Agreed, the Nords are the best. Second best that is!!!!!!