LESLIE SPEAKER
Tube Amplifier Models 122A, 122XB
Tube Amplifier Model 147A
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Information and Discussion on
Original and Brand New Series 122 and 147 Leslie’s
The Leslie “Sound-in-Motion”
The Hammond organ is synonymous with classic Rock, Blues, Jazz , Gospel, Country and
other music styles. But, it’s famous partner, the Leslie speaker, is an equally important
part of the classic Hammond sound. Most console Hammond organs without speakers were
originally outfitted from the factory with Hammond Tone Cabinets containing traditional
speakers. The motorized, rotating horn design, Leslie Speaker quickly became the famous
partner of the Hammond organ. Don Leslie’s early dream of a true “rotary”
speaker system for his Hammond organ soon became the professional standard for Hammond
organists worldwide. From the first tube amplifier powered single-speed Vibratone Leslie
models through many tube and solid-state amplifier powered two-speed Leslie models made
for Hammond’s and virtually every other brand of organ, this classic
“Sound-in-Motion” is still the musical standard, as evidenced by the
introduction of other rotary sound units, and most recently, digital Leslie-effect
simulators.
Why is the 122 synonymous with the Hammond Organ?
The king of the Leslie speaker line was, and still is the Leslie Model 122, which was
specifically designed for older Hammond Tonewheel Generator console organs. These organs
were equipped with two 61-note playing manuals, either 25 or 32 pedals, and were produced
from approximately 1934 to 1974. Early Hammond’s were actually very unique instruments, in
that they were designed with a balanced-line or “G-G Terminal” preamp output, as
opposed to an unbalanced / grounded audio output which was common in other equipment at
the time, and is the general standard today.
The 122 was designed by Leslie to replace or in some cases augment the original Hammond
Tone Cabinet used with the organ. Leslie Connector Kits were devised to allow easy
connection of the organ with the Leslie and the Hammond Tone Cabinet. The kits allowed the
organist to select either speaker cabinet individually or both simultaneously. This
feature allowed an organist to play a varied music program and was a particular favorite
of professionals.
When did the B-3 and Leslie 122 become the preferred
pair?
In 1955, Hammond introduced the B-3, C-3 and RT-3 console models, and additional
console models A-100 and D-100. These new models featured many improvements from earlier
models and included the now-famous Hammond percussion feature. They were all equipped with
the same revised design balanced-line output preamp (AO-28 series), but the A-100 and
D-100 models included internal or “self-contained” speakers, thereby they did
not require a Hammond Tone Cabinet. The A-100 and D-100 also featured built-in
reverberation units, so the two-channel Leslie model 251 was generally selected for these
organs.
Leslie Connector Kits were designed for the newest balanced-line preamp output organs
and most other Hammond console and spinet models allowing the classic 122 sound to be
heard with almost any Hammond. Once the B-3 and C-3 became available, the die was cast!
They were generally equipped with Leslie 122 series speaker cabinets and the rest is
history.
What was the purpose of the Balanced-Line Output from
the organ?
Hammond’s decision to use a balanced-line output became an important ingredient in the
long-term viability and acceptance of the Hammond organ. It was an ingenious design which
solved acoustic and audio related problems common in early vacuum tube amplifier
equipment. The balanced-line output was used in the early Hammond organs and Hammond Tone
Cabinets as a means to reduce 60 Hz hum pickup and other inductively picked-up noise which
would otherwise have resulted due to the AC power and audio being contained in the same
parallel cable run between the organ and the speaker cabinet. The balanced-line output
also significantly reduced audio loss on long cable runs.
This unique technical feature of the early Hammond console organs is still the basis
for optimum performance in live stage, studio and other uses. The classic B-3 and Leslie
122 are virtually unaffected by common studio and stage acoustic problems such as light
dimmer buzz, AC power hum and grounding irregularities in stage power.
How did a Leslie 122 connect to a Hammond?
Since the Leslie 122 was designed to be used as an additional or replacement speaker
for the early Hammond console organs, it utilized the existing Hammond 5-conductor (5/6)
or 6-conductor (6/6) cable (# of male pins / # of female sockets). 
With the aid of a simple
Leslie Connector Kit, the Leslie 122 soon became a direct-replacement for the Hammond Tone
Cabinet and offered tremendous improvement in sound. The Kit was installed in these organs
to facilitate Leslie motor speed switching from a switch mounted on the organ. If a
Hammond Tone Cabinet was also used, an Echo Kit was installed to allow for either the
Leslie or the Tone Cabinet to be played individually or together. Some later organ spinet
and console models (Series L-100, M-100, H-100, etc.) had Leslie Kits custom designed to
allow connection to the 122.
The balanced-line console organs best suited for the Leslie 122 were Hammond organ
Models:
A, AB, B, BA, BC, C, AV, BCV, BV, CV, DV, A-100, B-2, C-2,
B-3, C-3, D, G, D-152, RT, RT-2, RT-3
As mentioned above, although Hammond Models A-100 and D-100 console models were
designed with self-contained speakers, they also contained an AO-28 series organ
preamplifier which was used in the B-3 / C-3 models. Along with essentially similar
manuals, tonewheel generator, percussion and vibrato / chorus system, this is the reason
why these consoles sound so similar to a B-3 and should be carefully considered for
purchase!
Can my L-100 be connected to a 122?
Almost any organ could be connected to a 122 with the proper connector kit, but the 122
was tonally and electrically designed for the Hammond balanced-line consoles. Although
other Leslie models could be used with balanced-line organs, they were designed for other
models and other manufacturers. Contrary to belief, not every Leslie was designed for a
Hammond, just as not every Chevrolet is a Corvette.
What’s a Leslie 147? How is is different from a 122?
The Leslie 147 is a fine Leslie model also commonly used with B-3’s and other consoles.
It is essentially similar to the 122, except that the model 147 amplifier was not designed
for balanced-line organs, but was instead designed for a variety of standard
“grounded audio” or “unbalanced” audio output organs, including many
Hammond organs with self-contained speakers and certain other manufacturers organs. When
used with an older balanced-line Hammond, and wired in a “G to Ground” or
unbalanced configuration, the 147 is very susceptible to hum, light dimmer buzz and other
background noise. Therefore, it is an especially poor choice for recording studios, live
television or other uses requiring a constantly miked Leslie.
However, the 147’s unbalanced design makes it a great universal model Leslie for use on
almost any type of organ or keyboard. The 147 has an inherently brighter and harsher sound
when compared to the 122 due to a very different amplifier internal design.
TO CLARIFY A COMMON MISCONCEPTION —– The 122 series and 147
series and all internal components are actually identical except for the amplifier! A 147
can be converted to a 122 by simply removing the amplifier and sliding in a 122 amp.
Remember, they are mechanically similar, but acoustically very different!
What about the Leslie 122 and 147 RV (reverb) MODELS?
Some 122 and 147 models with reverberation were denoted with an “R”,
“V” or “RV” in the model number. These older reverb-equipped models
are essentially similar, but they had extra routed wooden “flutes” or slots in
the cabinets, which were smaller than normal and located beneath the larger upper slots.
It is not advisable to use or attempt repair on early Leslie reverb amplifier units as
these Leslies did not mix the reverb through the rotary horns. Instead they utilized a
6″ X 9″ Speaker for a dry reverb signal. There are far better reverb options
including new high-gain spring reverb units which mount in the organ and offer complete
control of the amount of Reverb. For keyboard players using a Leslie with a Pedal Preamp,
a digital or spring reverb unit can be added in-line prior to the pedal preamp for
excellent reverb through the Leslie rotary horns. Reverb units, percussion add-on kits,
pedal preamps, and many other accessories are included in our ON LINE Catalog.
What were the Leslie Models 142 and 145?
The Leslie model 142 was actually a complete Leslie 122 housed in a shorter cabinet.
The amplifier was marked “122”, but the shorter cabinet style denoted it as a
142. There were NO other technical differences, although acoustically, the 142 lacked the
very low-end bass response of the 122 since the bass enclosure was smaller.
The Leslie 145 was a complete 147 also housed in the same shorter cabinet as the 142.
The amplifier was marked “147”, but the shorter cabinet style denoted it as a
145. There were no other technical differences between the 145 and the 147, except that
the 145 also lacked the very low end bass response of the 147, again due to the shorter
cabinet and correspondingly smaller bass enclosure. Both the Leslie 142 and 145 are
excellent choices for purchase / rebuilding for touring, especially when used with
keyboards or MIDI Modules.
So — which model Leslie do I choose?
The 122 Series Leslie’s are still the model of choice when used with the older Hammond
“balanced-line” organ models listed above. Many professionals also use them in
conjunction with pedal preamps and digital keyboards to achieve the mid-50’s
“mellow” Hammond sound from their keyboard. The Hammond XB-2 keyboard used in
conjunction with a Leslie 122 will provide the mellower ‘Blues / Jazz / Gospel / Country ‘
Hammond sound better than other models. However, an XB-2 used with a 147 will provide a
brighter and “harsher” Hammond sound for Rock music. Either Leslie will perform
well, but organist and keyboard players should carefully consider their needs and all of
the options before purchasing anything. We can assist in selecting a Leslie or creating a
package for special needs, and tell you what other professionals or bands have selected
for their own use.
What if Space is restricted – “I move everything
in the back seat of my car.”
The Leslie Pro-Line Model 303 (complete information on this and other Leslie models is
available in our Online Catalog) is only 27 inches tall and features a solid-state 100
watt amplifier and is direct plug-in to the XK-2 or any other current Hammond organ
product. It has a 1/4″ input for direct plug-in of any 1/4″ output device such
as a keyboard, synth, MIDI module, guitar, etch, although instrument level devices will
require an in-line effect / preamp. A 1/4″ footswitch jack is also provided for
footswitch motor speed switching.
The 303 features a true 122-style upper horn and a 12″ woofer with a bass rotor
simulator. The 303 has separate bass and treble controls allowing it to be mellowed down
to a very good Blues / Jazz sound. When used with an XK-2, both treble controls on the
XK-2 and Leslie 303 can be turned down to really get down-and-dirty for the early
mushy-Hammond sound. Our Hammond XK-2 / Leslie 303 Touring Package is a common choice for
touring bands who do not have the space or road support to move and maintain a B-3 and a
122 or similar organ and Leslie. Call us for Package Pricing details, as each is tailored
to the particular need of the purchaser.
Tips for the Best Hammond Sound from a Keyboard or MIDI Module
Virtually every keyboards and MIDI Modules tend to be too “bright” in their
digital Hammond drawbar samples, and as such should be equalized down when possible. As a
technical reference, the Hammond B-3 had a maximum Tonewheel Generator frequency of
slightly less than 6000 Hz, making it a mid-range instrument! For the best Hammond sound
from keyboards or MIDI Modules, remember to EQ or mellow them down, turn off any digital
chorus or vibrato, and use a Leslie or a true Rotary Horn Unit (listed in or ON LINE
Catalog). No rack mount simulator will ever deliver the true sound of a Leslie.
General Technical Information on New Tube Amplifier
Leslie Model Series 122 and 147A
The new Leslie 122 Series and 147A are still essentially similar to their predecessors.
However, due to changes in motor design, the amplifiers have been slightly modified and
the new Leslie’s utilize a newer-style motor requiring a Motor Control Circuit Board. The
new 122 Series and 147A amplifiers still feature 12AU7 tubes and 6550 amplifier tubes
for the classic performance and sound of their predecessors. The 6550 is world-renowned
for warmth and is an integral part of the classic Hammond and Leslie sound. The amplifier
develops approximately 40 watts of power, and is essentially similar to the original
amplifiers in operation and performance. 
Due to the 6550’s long history of being the performance standard for
Leslie amplifiers, GOFF Professional utilizes our own excellent quality,
privately labeled 6550 tubes for all of our touring and professional equipment. We offer
these same 6550’s (as well as all Hammond and Leslie tubes) through mail-order. Our 6550’s
are also used by many guitar players in their vintage tube amps.
The new Leslie 122 Series and 147A are available in either 120 VAC, 60 Hz, or 220 VAC,
50 Hz versions, and can be ordered in several cabinet and amplifier configurations,
including walnut or black-textured finish, 6 or 11-pin amplifiers, etc., which are listed
below in the specifications. Custom blanket covers, Road cases, and other custom options
are available.
Original Leslie Tube Amplifier Models – Speaker
Selection and Type
New 16 ohm driver,
spindle & plate assem., horn & bearing.
The original Leslie 122 / 147 Series and other original tube models utilized a
Jensen 16 ohm upper horn speaker (driver), rated at 40 watts. The 15″ woofer was also
16 ohms, rated at 100 watts. Several woofer styles were employed throughout the model
years, but all were were designed to meet the original performance specifications.
New 16 ohm,
15″ long throw woofer
The upper driver, woofer and tube amplifier’s 16 ohm output transformer were specially
designed to be used as an integral group in conjunction with the original 16 ohm, 12
dB per octave, 800 Hz crossover. This overall design philosophy is the heart of the
classic tube amp Hammond / Leslie sound, and cannot be altered without changing the
original sound! Before you spend money on high-power alternative speakers / drivers,
consider that the vast majority of touring professionals use these same components in
their equipment.
Original Solid-State Leslie Models – Speaker
Selection and Type
Some later solid-state Leslie models used lower impedance upper speaker drivers and
woofers (8 or 4 ohm) to take advantage of the solid-state amplifier’s increased power
handling characteristics. Although similar in appearance, these lower impedance drivers,
woofers and crossovers are not interchangeable with tube amp models! Damage
may result to the equipment if they are used. The crossover designs in solid-state models
also varied, as they were generally designed in the preamplifier stage of the Leslie.
Throughout the many solid-state Leslie models, each model group had differing equipment
installed to meet the specific design of the Model.
The classic Hammond / Leslie sound is extremely dependent upon the correct
equipment being installed! The new 122 Series and 147A tube
amplifier Leslie models retain the original design characteristics and will deliver the
classic “sound-in-motion” synonymous with the name Leslie.
Speaker Selection and Type
An improved high-efficiency 16 ohm upper driver and 16 ohm long-throw woofer are
employed in new Leslie’s to take advantage of engineering and production material
improvements for maximum efficiency, although the original styles will substitute
perfectly. The new upper driver is conservatively rated at 40 watts, however it is
actually quite capable of handling 60 watts with proper crossover and woofer installed.
The new 15″, 16 ohm woofer features a custom long-throw basket and original-style
rolled paper cone for optimum low frequency response, especially at lower power levels.
The 15″ woofer fires directly into a motor-driven, one-piece hard-foam bass-rotor.
GOFF Professional strongly recommends against changing the stock
Leslie upper driver or woofer to an 8 ohm replacement or other “high-power”
speakers when used in a tube amplifier powered Leslie. This is a very common error which
is costly and simply the wrong thing to do! The classic sound is extremely
dependent upon the correct mix among the tube amplifier’s 16 ohm transformered output, 16
ohm Leslie upper horn driver and 16 ohm woofer. All of our touring Leslie 122’s and
147’s use our 16 ohm components and original new or rebuilt tube amplifiers.
Our new Leslie crossovers are built to the original design specification 12 dB per
octave, second order 16 ohm crossover, with an 800 Hz crossover point. The crossover
design is a critical ingredient to maintaining the classic sound!
Original Leslie 122, 147, etc. Parts, Repair Service
and Amplifier Rebuilding
GOFF Professional offers mail-order parts and repair service for most
early Leslie tube amplifier, selected solid-state models and for ALL new Leslie
products. We offer complete Leslie tube amplifier rebuilding service for early models as
well as new original-replacement amplifiers, tubes, belts, new upper
drivers, woofers, bearings, plastic horn assemblies, service manuals, etc., and offer
single-speed Leslie conversion kits to update an older single-speed Leslie to 2-speed
operation. Contact us for parts and service, or for complete new and rebuilt Leslie’s. We
can customize a complete touring or church package for your special needs.
Some of the very earliest single-speed model Leslie’s utilized a woofer with a
high-voltage DC coil for extended bass response. These models were produced before the
introduction of large permanent magnet speakers and are generally not
recommended for rebuilding for home or professional use without replacement of the
amplifier and upgrade of the speakers. A 2-speed motor conversion kit is available which
does not require replacing the motors.
Leslie Pedal Preamps
Any 1/4″
output device (Keyboard, MIDI Module, etc.) can be played through a 122 Series, 147 Series
or most other 6, 9, and 11-pin Leslie Models if a Combo Pedal Preamp is
used. The Trek-II Model UC-1A Combo Pedal Preamp has 1/4″ input and Leslie cable
output, and “Stomp” style footswitch control of Leslie motor switching. Specific
Pedal Preamp details and specifications are contained elsewhere in our On-Line Catalog.
SPECIFICATIONS – New Leslie 122 Series & 147A
- True Mechanical Rotating Upper Horn / Rotating Bass Rotor – NOT a Simulator!
- Classic Vacuum Tube Amplifier – 40 watts RMS, 16 ohm transformered audio output
- 16 Ohm Upper Speaker (Driver), Conservatively rated at 40 watts
- 15″, 16 Ohm Woofer, Long-throw – Rated at 100 watts
- 12 dB / Octave, 16 ohm Crossover, 800 Hz crossover point
- Two-Speed Operation for Chorale (Slow), Tremolo (Fast); “Off” available on
some models with some new Hammond organs / keyboards - Power – 120 VAC, 60 Hz, or 220 VAC, 50 Hz versions available
Leslie 122 Series / 147A Ordering Information
- 122A, 147A – Walnut Cabinet, 6-Pin Leslie Connector on amplifier (for B-3 and similar
original organs), new 30′ Leslie cable included, specify 5/6 or 6/6 cable when ordering - 122XB – Walnut Cabinet, 11-Pin Leslie Connector on amplifier for Direct Plug-In to
Hammond XB series organs and Hammond XB-2 Keyboard, new 11-pin 30′ Leslie cable included - NOTES: Leslie Connector Kits are available which allow the use of the above listed
Leslie Models with most early tonewheel generator and newer Hammond organs. Depending upon
specific organ and Leslie models, separate channel mixing and selection may or may not be
available.A Pedal Preamp will allow these Leslie’s and most other 6, 9 and 11-pin
Leslie models to be used with any keyboard or other 1/4″ device, however no provision
is made for separate channel mixing or selection in multi-channel models.Some Leslie models are especially suited for certain Hammond Organ models. Some early
Model Leslie’s cannot be easily connected to Hammond organs or other manufacturers organs
or keyboards. Email or call GOFF Professional with your specific needs.
Original, Classic Tube Amplifier
Leslies
LESLIE 122 SERIES – 122A, 122XB
LESLIE 147A
H 41 5/8″ W 29 1/4″ D 20 5/8″
Weight 149 lbs.
MANUFACTURED BY:
Authorized Dealer:
GOFF Professional
175 Costello Rd.
Newington, CT 06111 U.S.A.
(860) 667-2358 Phone
(860) 667-3523 FAX
E-Mail for information:
[email protected]
GOFF Professional reserves the right to
change prices, specifications, designs,
models, equipment and to discontinue products and services without notice and without
liability. The information contained herein is strictly for general information only. No
guarantee of accuracy is expressed, nor does anything contained herein constitute any
promise or contractual obligation.
HAMMOND Organ and Leslie are trademarks of
HAMMOND-SUZUKI.
REV.8.24.00