organ from “riders on the storm” by the doors | ToneDB

riders on the storm

the doors

organ

AI generatedv1.0

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.

Gear

Hammond Concert E-100instrument
ReverbSweetwater
Fender Twin Reverbamp
ReverbSweetwater
Electro-Voice RE20microphone
ReverbSweetwater

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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-100

Amp: Fender Twin Reverb

Microphone: Electro-Voice RE20

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

  • Hammond Concert E-100(keyboard)
  • Fender Twin Reverb(amp)
  • Electro-Voice RE20(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Hammond XK-5 Heritage Drawbar Organ$2800-$3200

Alternative to: Hammond Concert E-100

Features authentic Hammond tonewheel emulation and includes the same Concert model sounds as the E-100

ReverbSweetwater
Native Instruments Vintage Electric Pianos$99-$149

Alternative to: Hammond Concert E-100

Includes sampled Hammond Concert model with authentic tonewheel character at a budget price point

ReverbSweetwater
Chase Bliss Mood$350-$400

Alternative to: Leslie rotating speaker

Provides complex modulation and atmospheric effects that can recreate the swirling Leslie sound

ReverbSweetwater
Waves H-Comp Hybrid Compressor$29-$49

Alternative to: Leslie rotating speaker

Includes authentic Leslie cabinet simulation with adjustable rotor speed for the characteristic Doors organ swirl

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio OX Box$1300-$1500

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb

Provides tube amp warmth and the Twin Reverb's clean headroom that gave the organ its clarity and depth

ReverbSweetwater

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