organ from “riders on the storm” by the doors | ToneDB
riders on the storm
the doors
organ
Tone Profile
The organ sound is dark and moody, with a swirling, almost ethereal quality that evokes a sense of foreboding. It blends seamlessly with the song's atmospheric elements, creating a haunting and unforgettable sonic landscape.
Shop This Rig
ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
The Story
Ray Manzarek used a Hammond Concert E-100 organ on "Riders on the Storm," running it through a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier. The characteristic swirling effect comes from a Leslie rotating speaker cabinet, which was captured using an Electro-Voice RE20 microphone positioned a few feet away to capture the full spatial sound of the rotating horns. The song was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles with producer Paul A. Rothchild and engineer Bruce Botnick.
Production Credits
Producer: Paul A. Rothchild
Engineer: Bruce Botnick
Recorded at: Sunset Sound Recorders, Los Angeles
Signal Chain
Instrument: Hammond Concert E-100Shop on Reverb
Amp: Fender Twin ReverbShop on Reverb
Microphone: Electro-Voice RE20Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Hammond organ sound sample or virtual instrument. The Concert E-100 model is ideal, but other Hammond models can be used as a starting point.
- Use a rotary speaker emulator plugin to recreate the sound of a Leslie speaker. Experiment with different rotor speeds and acceleration settings to achieve the desired swirling effect.
- If possible, use a clean tube amp model or plugin to add warmth and character to the organ sound. A Fender Twin Reverb is a good choice.
- Use a microphone emulator plugin to recreate the sound of an Electro-Voice RE20 microphone. This will help capture the nuances of the original recording.
- Experiment with reverb and delay to add space and depth to the organ sound. A plate reverb or tape delay can be used to create a sense of atmosphere.
Original Gear
ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Hammond Concert E-100
Features authentic Hammond tonewheel emulation and includes the same Concert model sounds as the E-100
Alternative to: Hammond Concert E-100
Includes sampled Hammond Concert model with authentic tonewheel character at a budget price point
Alternative to: Leslie rotating speaker
Provides complex modulation and atmospheric effects that can recreate the swirling Leslie sound
Alternative to: Leslie rotating speaker
Includes authentic Leslie cabinet simulation with adjustable rotor speed for the characteristic Doors organ swirl
Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb
Provides tube amp warmth and the Twin Reverb's clean headroom that gave the organ its clarity and depth
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Insights
No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!