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Subject: RE: [Mellotronists] Re: Hammond T Organ on Ebay - Tony Banks

From: Gene Stopp <gene@...>
Date: 2003-07-25

I'll have to go dig up my copy of "I Know What I Like" (Armando Gallo's
book). I think it's safe to say that Mr. Banks always used a spinet of one
type or another. One significant difference is that the T series has
tonewheels with solid state electronics, and the L series is tonewheels with
tube electronics. But in the mix the difference would probably be
undetectable. One of the most significant characteristics of a Hammond
spinet is that you can move it from one part of the room to another by
yourself!

Long ago as a prog-soaked teenager I used to rank the machismo of the
keyboard player by the number of keyboards in their setup (Patrick Moraz for
example had pretty high marks). I always had this impression of Tony as
being one of the lesser participants because of this. But in my later years
I have come to respect his approach, not only because he did so much with
what he had, but an appreciation for how easy his stage setup was compared
to what it could have been given the era. Especially his synth approach -
it's amazing how many famous hooks he created just with a Pro Soloist. Not a
winp after all, but a very wise man?

There must be something in the air!!! Two weeks ago I picked up an L-133
myself. With Leslie 120, yet another recycler deal at $250. Patience is a
virtue. :) First thing I did when I got it home was to "Emersonize" it. My
wife (and perhaps the neighbors) were not happy about that, so I had to shut
down after a couple of minutes. But it was fun while it lasted.

The last L-100 I had was sucked up by the '92 ELP tour and I never saw it
again. Oh well, to a good cause...

I am considering adding a treble horn and internal amp to the 120 to create
a nice loud little Leslie. Now begins the lurk for driver/horn/motor on
eBay.

- Gene

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Clark [mailto:sydroms@...]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2003 9:11 AM
To: Mellotronists@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Mellotronists] Re: Hammond T Organ on Ebay - Tony Banks


Hey Jimmy,

I actually just bought a Hammond T-500 last week! I had no idea that
Tony Banks played one. That only further justifies my purchase (not
that it needed much justification at $50)! Anyone know what tunes
Tony played this on ?

-Tim