Thanks Chas,

At this stage, lets say I'm just looking.

Basically, it's like being a kid in a toyshop.

Frank

... and that's the best part of getting a new toy.

For possibly the best Hammond sim in an arranger, I can't recommend the BK-9 too highly. Seems a shame to blow a large wad of cash on a one trick pony (unless you HAVE a large wad of cash!). The BK-9's Hammond sim compares quite nicely with Nord's (which I've played) and most other sims. But throws in a great arranger for little more (or even less) than most dedicated clones.

Diki, with all due respect, I wouldn't recommend an arranger keyboard to someone who was specifically in the market for a clonewheel. From his comments ("B3", "get back to live playing", "pedals", etc), I would say he was looking for the ORGAN experience, not a keyboard with some organ patches on it (no matter how good). I, for one, wouldn't give up my KeyB for 50 arrangers (or synths, or WS's). That's because I'm into ORGANS and it sounds like Frank is too, or at least wants to be. Besides, he already has a BK7m (as do I) AND a G70. Just can't see adding a BK9 to that lineup just to get a few organ patches (but definitely not the 'feel' of a dedicated organ). JMO, though. I guess if someone is asking for recommendations for a pickup truck, I'm not going to try to sell them a car with a big trunk.

chas

My best playing experience with a clonewheel that was almost exactly like playing a B-3 is Hammond's XK-3c. I had a B-3 (with two Leslie 147RV) for quite a few years, and the response of the XK3c's keyboard and feel of the drawbars is just like playing the old "B". I felt right at home with the touch.

Of course, you may be looking for a dual manual organ to go along with the pedals...there is an optional lower keyboard. pedal board and appropriate stand with the XK3c, but it isn't cheap.

Nord's C2D is very nice, and it's response is very similar to the XK3c, with the latter having a slight edge, in my opinion, but the former has two manuals, and a very decent simulation of drawbars. Both on-board sims sound very good, although the Neo Ventilator effects unit appears to be the current sim champ.

Certainly, all this will depend on how much you want to spend, Frank.

Chas has pointed out some info on Keyboard Corner, and it is probably the best place for you to get opinions and reviews on other models.

Ian

chas, with all due respect... OP shows a single manual keyboard. Not exactly a full B3 in form.

You don't get a 'few organ patches' with the BK-9. It's a TOTALLY different beast to the BK-7m. The organ section of the BK-9 is a FULL Hammond sim, complete with a choice of five different amp and Leslie models, a choice of 50's, 60's and 70's vib/cho characteristics, control over the percussion regeneration, basically everything you get with a FULL Hammond clone. You also get the full drawbar complement (don't get that with some of the clones!), and nice little details like control over the spread of the Leslie effect (hate having full L&R Leslie outputs go through a PA with speakers 20' apart!), mike position and closeness, etc., etc..

Nothing could be further from the BK-7m, when it comes to Hammond!

The thing is, given that the OP already is fine with arrangers, and isn't looking for a full 2 manual, full pedal organ, having it in a keyboard that throws in an arranger for free (say compared to the price of a KeyB Solo!), and has sufficient keys to be able to do a very playable range for upper AND lower manuals, it is a worthy contender.

After all, no-one is saying you HAVE to use the arranger stuff at all! In fact, plug in some MIDI pedals, use the drums ONLY from the arranger section, you have everything you need to be able to copy what you posted recently, all in the one piece of gear.

If the OP is willing to look at a single manual piece of kit, why not look at one that does EVERYTHING well?

Dave Bryce declared, at the end of his review of the Hammond Xk-1c, that he fell in love with the instrument, to the point of buying one, that now sits atop his grand piano.

Try these on for size...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVa6CgFEzVA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5egHiGEkgY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOH9Ri6jNRs

Diki, I don't presume to know what is best for someone else. Frank has been around arranger kb's as long as you and I, so I'm sure he's aware of the capabilities of most of the current crop of arranger kb's. He asked for information on a specific organ, NOT 'what alternatives to this keyboard are out there?'. I just don't feel comfortable presuming to know what's best for someone else. As far as I can tell, Frank is a mature, intelligent guy who has been around the proverbial keyboard block a few times and knows (better than any of us) what he is looking for, so when he asks for information on a single manual clonewheel, specifically the NUMA organ, I assume he's looking for information on a NUMA ORGAN. I tried to point him to a source that may have this information and not play 'Father Knows Best'. Still luv you though, man, and definitely not trying to get into a war of words with you. We all know that NOBODY has ever won that one .

chas

I'm going to add my .02 on the BK9 . While having a dedicated Clone may be a good thing if you have the cash and space the BK9 can cover al those bases and more. Much more than just presets you have drawbars and more programmable functions than the B3 ever had and you can midi in a second keyboard or pedals.
I've had the clones I previously mentioned and they all do a good job. As Diki said you get that and the addition of a great arranger with the BK9. Thats why I'll be selling my last clone, the VR700. Great board, good feel, very good sound and leslie sim but I am at a premium for space in my studio.
I also agree that the best clone for look, feel, sound, touch, etc, is the Hammond XK3, all 44 lbs. of it ! Adding the lower manuel and pedalboard made for it is the ultimate setup. The XK3 has real tubes in the preamp section and nothing can warm up a sound like that. Put it through a good stereo setup and WOW.
If I had the space and $$$ I would have that over a real B, and I've had a bunch.