Leslie Speaker - 2101? - Hohner ORT 100!

[JayDee]

I can't see a big downside if you can afford a Leslie, but I'll make a valiant attempt at talking you out of it. You'll feel a letdown when you play live and you don't have that real Leslie swirl and punch behind you. Also, are you married? The wife will likely prefer you use the money to take her to a proper restaurant for your next anniversary, instead of the fast food joint like last year.

[Tracii]

Also, are you married? The wife will likely prefer you use the money to take her to a proper restaurant for your next anniversary, instead of the fast food joint like last year.

We have a joint account.

[LeftyBass68]

If you don't mind spending your money to enjoy rehearsals then go for it!
If you can live with no Leslie at gigs then upgrade your simulator to a Neo Ventilator like the rest of the people willing to live with less than a 122/147!
I have both and defer to the Ventilator in all but a few situations.Usually the FOH tech just takes what I give him from a Radial Key Largo,sometimes it includes
some mic preamps with a real Leslie,often as not the FOH takes the Vent though,no leaking mic's!
The Leslie provides me with a real experience in either situation,the Ventilator is very convincing in stereo through these Meyer UPM-1P's and a small sub.
And well they should....

Among other gigs, I am the organist in The Zimmermen here in Vancouver.Nice to see someone else likes Bob Dylan music.Sometimes it's an A100/147,sometimes a C2D.
Have fun,let's hope Nord improves the 122 simulations,wouldn't hold my breath though.

[LeftyBass68]

IMG_20200127_181846106.jpg (4.41 MiB) Viewed 3505 times

Even with the little LS200P 10" sub these boxes will tell the truth,up to 123db that is.Easily as loud as a 122 or 147.UPM-1P Ultra Portables are 21 pounds each.

[Tracii]

Alright, thanks everyone - B-stock 2101 Mk2 coming my way. Let's see what it's like. If I don't dig it, I can simply return it.

Among other gigs, I am the organist in The Zimmermen here in Vancouver.Nice to see someone else likes Bob Dylan music.Sometimes it's an A100/147,sometimes a C2D.

We're called Pet Tommy & the Brokenhearts.

[Tracii]

I've taken the 2101 for an hour's test drive at home today. Bottom line so far: I think it sounds great.

The stereo stationary channel is just that, a stereo amp. Let's see if it's strong enough with the full band at the next rehearsal. I couldn't even bring it (and the Electro) halfway up before it got way too loud for the neighbors, so I think it might do. If it's not enough, there's a line out and a speaker out.

Alas, the rotary channel. How does it compare to the Electro 3 Leslie sim?
(0. The simulation is really close. )
1. The 2101 sounds bigger, especially when speeding up. There is a spaciousness to it that's missing from the sim.
2. Key click is a lot more pronounced.
3. It's windy. Playing very quietly with speed set to fast might be challenging, because the rotor/air/fan noise is surprisingly loud.
4. Tube overdrive rawks.
5. Plenty of bass from the 5' woofers. Too much, actually, for my liking in preset 1, which is supposedly modeled after a 122. I'll check with the band first, but it can be adjusted.

What next? I need a stereo A/B switch, because I'm planning to use the stationary channel in stereo and the output options on the Electro 5 are limited [cf. first post]. Suggestions, anyone?

[Tracii]

The Dylan band practiced last night. The 2101 sounded absolutely wonderful! It was the first time I had played through a Leslie. Very swirly, sound bouncing off the walls like everybody always says.

Still, I'm returning it. Why? Because of the stationary speakers. As good as they sounded at home, last night I really had to push them to their limit in order to be heard. Rhodes and Clav were okay - not as good as through the PA, but alright - but piano just didn't work; it sounded thin and unnatural. I know I talked about connecting an external speaker or routing the sound through to the PA, yet I figured that if I need to do that anyway, I might as well use a dedicated Leslie.

For two-thirds of the price, I'd keep it. But it's just too expensive for what it does (for me).

[Tracii]

At the risk of turning this into a monologue, the story continues:

I've just bought a Hohner ORT 100. Again, we'll have to wait until the next band practice, but the stakes are not as high this time around - it cost less than a quarter of the price of the Leslie 2101.

[Schorsch]

Hi Tracii, I am very interested to get your feedback about the Hohner ORT 100, it should sound very good from what I heard even though it does not use a tube amp. Looking forward to your thoughts since I am also thinking of buying one

[JayDee]

I'd be interested in your impression of the Hohner also, Traci. I heard Barbara Dennerlein used one, and she is a smoking organist...