Hi everyone,
The first time I played the HOG I was amazed at how close some of the functions were to an actual Hammond organ. So much so, I am surprised the name HOG did not stand for Hammond-Organ-Generator!
The different sliders on the HOG closely resemble the look and functions of the sliding drawbars of a Hammond B-3. Below is a representation of the B-3 drawbars. Compare them to the HOG sliders and you will see just how close they really are.
The next Hammond related feature I found was the envelope section. This brilliant design allows the unit to mimic the percussion feature of the B-3.
Here’s a little background on the B-3 percussion.
A distinctive sound of the Hammond is the harmonic percussion effect. The term “percussion” does not refer to a drum-type sound effect. Instead, it refers to the addition of the second and third harmonic overtones, which can be added independently to the attack envelope of a note. The selected percussion harmonic(s) then quickly fade out, creating a distinctive “plink” sound and leaving the tones which the player has selected using the drawbars. The percussion retriggers only after all notes have been released, so legato passages only have a percussion on the first note. Older Hammond models produced before the 3 series organs (such as the B-2 and C-2) do not have the harmonic percussion feature.
Below is the HOG setting I used for this clip. The second half of the clip has the spectral gate switch on to produce a more pure jazz organ sound.
To increase the sustain of the guitar I used a compressor in front of the HOG.
This allowed me to hold on to chords and notes longer like the endless sustain of the Hammond organ.
A rotary speaker, Leslie amp or Leslie emulator can be used for added realism.
Below are several different EHX pedals and settings which produce a great rotary effect on their own. If you have one of the pedals give it a try.
Thanks for listening,
Bill Ruppert
