Hammond XK-1, years later … still worth it

XK1-xlargeIf you’ve seen my setup at a recent show, you may have noticed a change.

I’ve swapped out the Nord Electro 2 I’ve used for a number of years for a Hammond XK-1. Despite the release of the superbly exceptional Hammond XK-3c, the XK-1 still wows me, fans, and my bandmates. Reviews for the XK-1 have floated around the internet since the mid 2000s now so going into specific detail seems a bit repetitive, but here are some key points from my perspective that should help prospective portable organ buyers looking for recreational, pro use, or otherwise.

1.) PRICE – The release of the Hammond SK series keyboards as well as continued promotion of XK-3c have created a situation where many XK-1 owners are looking to renew their collection, or update their home, studio, or stage sound. This has helped many buyers find XK-1 keyboards for sale for one-third of the price of brand new products. A player’s budget may be less than that of another, so being able to afford this deal is incredible. I was able to find mine bundled with a road case, the manual, leslie foot switch, and expression pedal for $1,000 — with that money saved, I’m looking forward to a new, portable Leslie cab.

2.) PERFORMANCE – A very natural, wood and breathy tone can be achieved with a few tweaks of the parameters. The description coming from an explanation of feeling rather than technical term. The tone driver is still being used in products today, however the Leslie sim is less up-to-date than current Hammond Suzuki models. The customization of Leslie parameters, key click, and percussion must be taken advantage of in order to drive toward a natural sound. I prefer to take a lot of treble and percussion out when performing country shows. But I’ve seen jazz and blues players getting a kick out of the playability of this machine.

3.) COMPLIMENTS – No matter who you are, you should enjoy people saying they enjoy listening to your playing and that they’re jealous of your Hammond sound. Straight to the point: It does indeed have great Hammond sound, it IS a Hammond, and people do love listening to it.

4.) PORTABILITY and EASE OF USE – This 33-lb keyboard feels very light for the number and it’s slim design fits easily into different gig bags and cases. Although it is a 61-key organ, it is best to double-check the length of any potential case to make up for the drawbars. (Total length is 45-5/8 in.) With 12 banks of 11 numbers adding to the capacity for presets, quick set-ups, sound checks and plug-in and play make for an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

5.) NEED TO KNOW: All the presets and internal memory are backed up by a small battery inside the organ console. The manual states to take the organ to a Hammond professional when you get a warning about the battery, but the fix is very easy, cheap and quick to do on your own with the cost covering a $5-$8 CR2032 battery found at many general stores or gas stations. Here’s a link for further details: http://www.harmonycentral.com/t5/Keys-Synths-amp-Samplers/Hammond-XK-1-Battery-AHHHHHH/td-p/23915430

Hopefully this adds a little insight. Many technical reviews for the Hammond XK-1 can be found online and in organ forums. These are a few of the good things I’ve noticed so far, on a personal level. Happy playing.

@bkakeys

Seattle, Spokane, NorCal

I’ll be adding some shows to my schedule with the band, Aces Up.

A couple upcoming dates will be Feb 14: Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA; Feb 16, The Roadhouse, Spokane, WA; Feb. 21-13, Northern California.

Check out their music video for their top single, Piece of Heaven.

@bkakeys
www.facebook.com/abshier

Ear Enema? Thanks Seattle Weekly!

In anticipation of my Chris Eger Band show in Seattle, Seattle Weekly wrote, “If you feel like you’ve been listening to way too much Pitchfork-endorsed music of late and need an ear enema, Chris Eger’s brand of straightforward, bluesy rock will do the trick.”

http://www.seattleweekly.com/2013-01-16/music/seven-nights-of-shows/

Sounds like a good prescription. No-nonsense kind of stuff.

@bkakeys

If I Was a Hero

I was shifting around some ideas in my head and decided to record them (or else it’s pretty common to forget what I was thinking). The recording isn’t perfect, but I am happy with what I was able to do. All the tracks, minus the drums, are played by me on my Korg SV-1 Vintage. The drums were just some loops on the computer I used. You will hear piano, a really spacey rhodes, clav with wah, and a really low organ for the bass.

I invite you to take a minute to share the song and follow me on twitter and facebook.

@cebkeys

https://www.facebook.com/abshier

-Brendan

I Love this Keyboard

The Korg SV-1 Vintage I aquired this summer is not only beautiful, but it also have provided me with versatility and extended possibilities to what I can do on stage and in the studio. It’s my go-to keboard for piano, rhodes, wurly, and other retro sounds I might need.

The weighted keys increase the emotion I can put into the notes and chords. I do not use this keyboard for my organ tones. I use a NORD electro 2 for my organ replication if a Hammond B3 is not available. It’s light and fits to my liking above the Korg … plus, the double-red look is sexy.

The biggest downside is that it is HEAVY! Lugging it around from gig to gig is made easier by the rolling case I have. Although it’s quick to set up, sometimes I feel like, “Finally, I get to play it after all that!”

-Brendan

Stage Presence

In this picture, I was throwing beads out to the crowd and tried to get one deep into the crowd. Instead, I got some wrapped up in the stage support beams. Oops.

One of the harder parts of putting together an exciting, live performance, is having the right stage presence. Getting planted behind a few keyboards can make this extra difficult.

Playing keyboards on stage restricts the amount of freedom the player has. Because of this, I have found that standing brings a little extra oomph to the impact I can have on the stage while playing organ or piano. I can jump, groove, and occasionally throw out my finest dance moves.

Although, the role a keyboard player holds in a band is important. If the player is a supporting role in the group, perhaps sitting and staying in the background is more suitable. Just make sure you talk it over with the boss of the group before trying anything too bold.

Most importantly, performing is just like public speaking — eye contact is key. No matter what your role in a band, connecting with the crowd should be important to you. It’s what separates a live performance from an iPod.

Know your style, be confident, and have fun.

-Brendan