Hammond RT-3

First manufactured in 1935, the Hammond electromechanical organ has been described as one of the most successful organs ever made. Commonly paired with a Leslie speaker cabinet, the instrument generates sound through the use of a rotating metal tonewheel and electromagnetic pickup—creating an electric current that is strengthened with an amplifier. Though the Hammond was originally marketed and sold to churches as a lower-cost alternative to pipe organs or pianos, it went on to become popular with professional jazz musicians in organ trios—and later, progressive rock musicians.