Korg CX-3

Korg CX-3
Korg CX-3, 1980 model
Manufacturer Korg
Dates 1979 - 1991
2001 - 2011
Price $1,340 (1979)
$2,595 (2001)
Technical specifications
Polyphony Full
Oscillator Siemens SM304
Synthesis type Additive
Input/output
Keyboard 61 note manual (CX-3)
2 x 61 note manuals (BX-3)
External control Drawbars

The Korg CX-3 is a clonewheel organ which simulates the sound of an electromechanical Hammond organ, first introduced in 1979.[1][2]

History

There had been a market for a lightweight clone of the Hammond organ, due to the instrument's weight. In the 1970s Combo organs attempted to emulate the sound, but many were poorly received, though the Italian Crumar organs could sound reasonable in a mix with a Leslie speaker.[2] The CX-3 gave a convincing enough emulation of a tonewheel Hammond's sound to be used in professional live performances, particularly when played through a real Leslie.[3] A expanded version of the instrument, the BX-3, had two manuals.[2]

The instrument struggled to compete with digital synthesizers in the 1980s, particularly the Yamaha DX7, and sales fell.[3] Production eventually ceased due to the Siemens SM304 chip used in the instruments becoming obsolete.[1] By the end of the 1990s, instruments were being sold second-hand for a similar amount as spinet Hammond organs such as the L100 or M100.[2]

A digital remake of the CX-3 was launched in 2001,[2] which included two sets of drawbars, expression and overdrive controls, and a built-in reverb unit and Leslie simulator.[3] It was retired in 2011 after the introduction of the Korg Kronos.[4]

Notable users

Marillion's Mark Kelly used a CX-3 for live performance and recording in the early 1980s, although he wanted a Hammond C-3 organ, it was impractical for touring.[5] Adam Wakeman has used a CX-3 when touring with Ozzy Osbourne.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 Vail, Mark (2002). The Hammond Organ: Beauty in the B. Backbeat Books. p. 291. ISBN 978-0-87930-705-9.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Korg CX3 Modelling Tonewheel Organ". Sound on Sound. January 2001. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 Wahler, Bruce (11 March 2002). "Review: Korg CX-3". Ashby Solutions. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  4. ↑ Fortner, Stephen (16 November 2011). "Korg Kronos". Keyboard Magazine. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  5. ↑ Kelly, Mark (May 2005). "Taking VST instruments on stage" (PDF). Sound on Sound: 12. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  6. ↑ "Adam Wakeman". Korg UK. 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2015.

External links

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