LESLIE SPEAKER
Tube Amplifier Models
122A, 122XB, 122A-T, 122XB-T
Tube Amplifier Model 147A
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 new Leslie Pro-Line Model 302 (complete
information on this and other Leslie models is available
ON LINE) is only 27 inches tall and features a
solid-state 100 watt amplifier and is direct plug-in to
the XB-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 302 features a true 122-style upper horn and a
12″ woofer with a bass rotor simulator. The 302 has
separate bass and treble controls allowing it to be
mellowed down to a very good Blues / Jazz sound. When
used with an XB-2, both treble controls on the XB-2 and
Leslie 302 can be turned down to really get
down-and-dirty for the early mushy-Hammond sound. Our
Hammond XB-2 / Leslie 302 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 - 122A-T – Textured Black Cabinet with Side
Handles, 6-Pin Leslie Connector on amplifier, new
30′ Leslie cable included, specify 5/6 or 6/6
cable when ordering - 122XB-T – Textured Black Cabinet, with Side
Handles, 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
LESLIE 122 SERIES – 122A, 122XB, 122A-T, 122XB-T
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. 10-25-97
APG / BPG