Hammond XK-4 Drawboard Keyboard

General

If the band is in need of an elusive B3 organ, or you happen to have one but getting it to and from the venue is a nightmare, then allow the authentic sound and playing feel of the Hammond XK-4 Portable Organ to blow your tiny human mind. This drawbar-based keyboard provides that same B3-experience but comes in a far more manageable size. While the XK model was just as easy to travel with, the XK-4 does come with some more modern tweaks, including a full-colour central display screen, while under the hood, you also get a newly developed engine: the MTW2, which stands for Modelled Tone Wheel 2. This intelligent engine is able to simulate every last one of the ninety-one tone wheels of the Hammond organs of old, even down to the pitch and volume fluctuations and other satisfying little faults that came with them.

Playing the Hammond XK-4

Just like an original B3, everything here is fully hands-on. The control workflow is fast and logical, which makes sense. When you're playing gigs with a band, you need to be able to quickly trigger and adjust this or that between songs or even during songs. Of course, you get a full bank of real, tactile drawbars for colouring in the organ sound, and when it comes to the sound, you're still getting the unmistakable howl and growl of a B3 alongside a library of other classics, all based on models that came out of Italy and Japan as well as Great Britain, and including everything from theatre organs to pipe organs. Another really sweet detail is the valve simulation, which masterfully recreates that thick and tasty, crunchy organ sound of yesteryear.

Other Extras

Since no Hammond would be complete without a Leslie speaker, the XK-4 comes with one built in. And while the digital simulation is more-than impressive, an 11-pin port has been fitted to accommodate the die-hard Leslie user. From there, you're looking at a truly complete chunk of gear that packs away everything you would want from a real organ. Even the look is on point thanks to the real wood sidings, which has nothing to do with the sound, but a lot to do with the all-important vibe of this instrument. So, whether your focus is jazz, funk, gospel or prog-rock, the XK-4 grants access to that essential B3 sound, plus a whole lot more.