how to play hammond organ

[pianistimo]

i have the 'M' series (spinet) with full pedals.  i want to learn how to use the pedals without looking at my feet.  is it adviseable to play scales, just like with the fingers?  and, when i play a C scale - would i play with my left foot heel on all the notes?  then, a G scale - i would play the F# only with the right foot?  or would i use heel/toe and keep it all with the left foot?

[thalbergmad]

I have got a book that specifically covers pedalling. I will try to find it and scan it for you.

When i started to teach myself, i did do scales although i cannot remember how i pedalled the C scale.

Are you sure your Hammond has 32 pedals? It is best to have full pedals to learn. I would be inclined to suggest that you consider purchasing a new (or good 2nd hand) digital organ. I think Allen and Rogers are considered the best makes and you could get a good 2 manual for about $15000. You even get to choose the stops.

Thal

[pianistimo]

digital organ?  are you serious.  what do you do - program the pedals and then just swing your legs?  i might think about it when i have $15,000.

i counted the pedals and there are 25.  guess that isn't full pedals after all.  i don't know what i would do with any more pedals, though.  i can't even play the ones that are there.  although - i've learned a few major jumps. the octave - i do with left foot right foot.  i can't believe a couple years ago, i tried that with only one foot or the other.  guess that with organ - you just fake it for awhile.  for instance...for the first year i was working organ - i gave up on the pedal altogether and tried to find pieces that had only one pedal note continuously repeated.  then, i worked up to chords and intervals.  now, i am attempting to play eighth notes.  this is very funny.  every other note is a bad one - but i just move my foot over instead of crouching down and looking under the keyboard to see what's going on.

basically, i just want to start over again and learn everything 'properly.'  don't worry your head too much if you can't find the book.  maybe there's a site on the internet that would save you from scanning a book.  just wondering if there are downloadable exercises for pedalling organ somewhere's.

[ahinton]

I don't know about a Hammond, but what is now customarily thought of as a full compass pedalboard on a pipe organ would be 32 notes C - G; I presume you to have two octaves C - C.

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

digital organ?  are you serious.  what do you do - program the pedals and then just swing your legs?  i might think about it when i have $15,000.

Hmm, i think you have got the wrong end of the stick here. The term "digital" is normally used to describe an organ that has no pipes and creates the organ sound via "sampling".

I am considering replacing my old analogue Omegan with a new digital organ and there is so much to choose from. I bought this from Wyvern Organs 7 years ago and it is time for a new/2nd hand one.

Look at the Toccata II on the following link.

https://www.wyvernorgans.co.uk/seconds/index.asp

I must go for a test play.

Thal

[ahinton]

Hmm, i think you have got the wrong end of the stick here. The term "digital" is normally used to describe an organ that has no pipes and creates the organ sound via "sampling".

Absolutely correct.

I am considering replacing my old analogue Omegan with a new digital organ and there is so much to choose from. I bought this from Wyvern Organs 7 years ago and it is time for a new/2nd hand one.

Look at the Toccata II on the following link.

https://www.wyvernorgans.co.uk/seconds/index.asp

I must go for a test play.

Thal

Forgive my apparent narrow-mindedness, but to me the ideal organ is one of those great instruments such as one finds in Westminster or St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, St. George's Hall Liverpool (if only it wasn't in so bad a state now) or the Church of St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol; I don't doubt that I could be refused entry to France or even Germany for making such a remark, but I'd rather be honest...

Best,

Alistair