How To Start A Hammond

Hammond Organ Starting Procedure

The following instructions apply to all Hammond ToneWheel organs which have both

• start* and *run* switches. (Some of the later ToneWheel organs had just a single
• run* switch. If that's what you've got, I trust you can figure out how to turn it on all

by yourself.)

  # Hold the *start* switch *on* for eight seconds.
    If you're in a quiet room, you should be able to hear the ToneGenerator spinning up.

  # While continuing to hold the *start* switch on, turn the *run* switch on.

  # Continue holding the *start* switch *on* for four more seconds.
    (The *run* switch should stay on by itself.)

  # Let go of the *start* switch.  It should spring to the *off* position.  With the start motor off, things
    should get much quieter.

Your ToneGenerator should now be running. You'll have to wait a little while longer for the tubes to warm up before you'll get any sound out of the organ.

Why is this so complicated? See SynchronousMotor.

Still won't start? See ToneGeneratorWontStart.