Hammond Organ

The organ is an impressive instrument that requires both hands and both feet to play - one entire keyboard for each hand, bass pedals for the left foot, and a volume pedal for the right. This is a model of the Hammond B3, which started out as an ordinary organ and then became popular thanks to jazz organ groups of the 60s and 70s. Musicians like Jimmy McGriff and Dr. Lonnie Smith were masters of its unique and funky sound.

The B3 is also a beauty to behold. Its cherry wood paneling is recreated nicely here by the reddish brown LEGO bricks. The layered keyboards are split to invert the traditional black and white key pattern, and above them sits a complex set of sliders and switches which, in the real thing, would modify the sound. The foot pedals (which are actually another keyboard) are made out of a lighter wood that contrasts nicely with the body of the organ.

This model was a lot of fun to build, especially figuring out the keyboard construction technique, which uses a sideways combination of plates and door rails. I hope music and LEGO-lovers alike will enjoy recreating this iconic instrument.