organ from “green onions” by booker t. & the m.g.'s | ToneDB

green onions

booker t. & the m.g.'s

organ

95% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A cool, percussive, and slightly gritty Hammond B-3 organ tone defined by the unmistakable swirl of a Leslie rotating speaker.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Hammond B-3 Organ

Amp: Leslie 122 Speaker Cabinet

Microphone: Dynamic Microphones (e.g., Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD 421)

Processing: Leslie Speaker Effect (Internal), Console Saturation, Studio Plate Reverb

Other: Key drawbar setting likely 888000000. Percussion ON (3rd Harmonic, Fast Decay, Soft Volume). Leslie speed switched between Chorale (slow) and Tremolo (fast).

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Stax Records, Memphis, known for its distinct room sound.
  • The track originated as an impromptu jam session.
  • Microphones likely placed on Leslie horn (highs) and drum rotor (lows).
  • Minimal processing applied during tracking, capturing the raw organ/Leslie combination.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Hammond B-3 emulation (plugin or hardware).
  • A high-quality Leslie speaker simulation is crucial.
  • Start with the 888000000 drawbar setting and adjust to taste.
  • Enable organ percussion: 3rd harmonic, fast decay, normal/soft volume.
  • Practice switching the Leslie speed; the transition is part of the sound.
  • Add subtle overdrive/saturation to mimic tube warmth.
  • Use a short-to-medium plate reverb emulation sparingly.

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