The Hammond portables are nice and there are some pretty nice synth Hammond sounds but there is nothing like that big old hunk -o- wood console with a Leslie. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the M-3 , B-3 and C-3. The C-3 is a freakin monster though, weighing in at about 485 lbs. NOBODY wants to move it , but EVERYBODY wants to play it.
Whatever, I love 'em all
I just started getting together with the Hammond crew about two years ago, after not seeing any of these guys for fifteen years or so . It had been that long since I'd gotten together with anyone playing a REAL wooden Hammond. Not only had I forgotten how much better they sounded than the portables, but I had also forgotten the smell. I absolutely love the way those Leslies smell when they start to heat up. That warm woody smell just works to compliment that warm woody sound. Having a little something else organic burning in the background helps too
BTW: Nice score on the M-3. It looks great. They never die either. Anything that breaks can be fixed and don't let anybody tell you different
Check out
www.hicksorganservice.net . My buddy Don is a great guy and he really knows his stuff. Although he is in Michigan, he has a Link so you can find qualified repair techs in your area. You don't want some hack working on that beautiful piece of yours
Rick