Manufacturer Korg Oscillator Siemens SM304 | Polyphony Full Synthesis type Additive | |
Dates 1979 - 1991
2001 - 2011 Price $1,340 (1979)
$2,595 (2001) | ||
The Korg CX-3 is a clonewheel organ that simulates the sound of an electromechanical Hammond organ, first introduced in 1979.
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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. 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. An expanded version of the instrument, the BX-3, had two manuals.
The instrument struggled to compete with digital synthesizers in the 1980s, particularly the Yamaha DX7, and sales fell. Production eventually ceased due to the Siemens SM304 chip used in the instruments becoming obsolete. 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.
A digital remake of the CX-3 was launched in 2001, which included two sets of drawbars, expression and overdrive controls, and a built-in reverb unit and Leslie simulator. It was retired in 2011 after the introduction of the Korg Kronos.
Notable users
Manfred Mann was early adopter of CX-3, used it when touring with Manfred Mann's Earth Band since 1980. 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. Adam Wakeman has used a CX-3 when touring with Ozzy Osbourne. Derek Sherinian used CX-3 when touring with Dream Theater, and also contributed to development of second version of the instrument .