-40%
Leslie Speaker type 6C controller - models 51, 251, 351 (not 6W 145/147)
$ 57.55
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
Leslie controller for type 51, 51C, 251, 351 (type 6C) cabinetsAlso available with an LED footswitch for more, check my other listings or ask for more details.
No preamp necessary when used with a Hammond Organ, ideal for Hammond's hot output
This box is for 6 pin Leslies with a Leslie "Conn Organ" connector type (6C – 51C, 251, 351 but not the 50C) This controller must NOT be used with 122 (6H type) or 147 (6W type) Leslies. For those there is a different controller, check my other listings for more information.
For guitar or other keyboards, a two channel preamp or mini mixer is needed, there are 100's that will do the job, you probably already have one.
For a preamp you can use a mini mixer (to mix both channels), or a two sided preamp, or as I said, just use the rotory channel.
Got questions about what you need, feel free to ask I'll help you figure out the best thing to do for your system.
Unlike it's 147 cousin, these Leslie have a secondary channel. This was intended for the "flutes" that would bypass the rotor. If you don't want to use the stationary channel, just yank you the power tubes (EL84) for the stationary side putting that side of the amp into standby, and pretend your Leslie is a 147, because it essentially is. These days people look to the Leslie to mash up their sound, and those who want perfect cathedral organ sounds use digital keyboards, so the secondary channel is not too useful anymore.
Feel free to ask questions through the ebay system, but please be sure all messages start with telling me exactly which Leslie you are using or hope to use, and what you intend to plug into it, but read on and your questions may be answered.
This box is a very economical improvement over the vintage Leslie Combo-Preamp Boxes that go for much more money.
A combo/preamp is a preamp and controller, that's the "combo" two things in one. This is a controller that is free standing, that you don't have to cobble into your organ and that can be used with many things. It uses 1/4 inch inputs to make hook up and switch overs easier. If you are going from an organ to a preamp a combo-preamp is the wrong thing, because the organ and speaker are already perfectly matched in level and the boost of the preamp will create a brittleness and distortion to the sound. If you are going from a non-Hammond instrument it will need a preamp.
Also this unit has a separate switch input which makes it easier to put the switch in a convenient place, or you can use your own favorite half moon or pedal mount kick switch, and it sends 5v DC to the switch instead of 120v AC, greatly reducing the shock hazard of the older units. This means no dangerous AC voltage at your feet or on a switch with your hand on it, and no "vintage" shocking accidents that were common in the 70's. It's (-5v DC) current is safe enough to go through snakes and patchbays.
By using this box you can use ANY mono, single click foot switch you want. Compared to the vintage box, you can more easily put the switch where you want it, and use exactly the switch you like. You don’t have to cram that box under your organ, or have a box in front with you when you're playing guitar, it's especially good for A-100 and M-3 player, because there just isn't much room down there. You can even use a half moon switch, if you put a ¼ inch mono jack on it, or some of the newer ones already have that plug. If you have a half moon that doesn't have the right end, you can mail it to me and I will wire it up for use with this box, no charge, and send it with the controller.
The main problem with the vintage combo preamp boxes is the preamp in them isn’t that special, especially for guitar. It works, but it can sound better. If you have a vintage tube amp with a preamp out, then this is for you. I also recommend the ART tube MP, they’re very affordable, and very versatile.
Leslies have NO AC ground, just two leads of AC power on pins 3 and 4, therefore, it's very important to keep your Leslie isolated, which this unit does by using a very low voltage (-5v DC) DC relay. Other controllers that have a third prong do not ground your Leslie, because that ground can't go to the Leslie on the 6 pin cable, the safest way is to use a relay to control the Leslie's own high voltage AC system.
I am also selling this box in a set with a footswitch for 9, send a message you need the switch too.
Custom orders are possible, and usually cost the same as the pre-made boxes. Need a box for a different Leslie? Need to run two Leslies? Two different Leslies? Whatever the situation, Let me know, I can probably help out.
There are demos on Youtube on the account "Vintkey" (Vintage Keyboard Repair of New England) but ebay doesn't let me post them here, so go have a look.
Thanks for your interest!
Why Fishsticks?!?
Um... There are a few reasons. I have a 1984 Mercedes diesel that I converted to run on waste veggie oil, that kinds smells like fishsticks, so I first named that Dr. Fishsticks. I wanted to choose a name for these controllers that would let you know that I'm not one of those way to uptight, grumpy, Hammond organ guys, that I am a guy in my converted garage workshop making this stuff for you. I don't have a clear coat on my online presence pretending to be a big operation, I'm a one-man operation, and proud of it. I am a piano technician, a tube amp and Hammond/Leslie repair man, and a player, and have been for 15 years. Also, I like fishsticks.