I've got a B3 which was once played by a Newfie band called Lukey's Boat. I bought it from the keyboardist, Noel Dinn (?), around 1974. I remember Lukey's Boat came second to Chilliwack in a Canadian band competition, for which Chilliwack won a tour of Japan and the Boat won a tour of England. When I opened the back, I discovered a Heathrow sticker inside, which is still there. Very cool--to me, anyway!

Great story. I never thought a B3 could make me cry. Only break my back. ❤

Beautiful story. The hardest part is finding what motivates you - that can take many years. I'm 70 now and for 10 years I've been motivated to write a small book on music theory that shows how the bits fit together, rather than look at all the bits. That sustains me now.

That man is a top-notch dude! Someone who is in business for the passion, not just the money!

This was an amazing and very emotional story, thanks for sharing it with us! We all need to preserve our Hammonds and Leslies, as they are truly a unique instruments.

I had a very similar situation when I was a kid. Ended up with a C3 (Mint) and Leslie 145 (Beat up) for $1250 delivered. I popped the driver on the Leslie the first week and had to call a tech. He taught me a few things and at that point I met Al Goff whose dad worked in the Hammond factory. He was very kind to me and spent hours teaching me things (mostly over the phone!) and had me keep a notebook. I ended up being a Hammond/ Leslie tech and have worked for over 250 churches and many bands. I once fixed a B3 on stage at a Turtles concert that I happened to be near where I was driving through that day. I fixed the organ and started playing it and laughingly opened for the Turtles that night in New York. (I was fixing it while the audience was waiting.) On the other hand my heart goes out to the many people who have hurt their backs lifting them. I know the son of an piano and organ dealer who curses Hammond organs and says he "Never wants to see one of those damn things again as long I live!" They can really mess you up if you're not strong and careful and have the spine for it. Be careful kiddos. There's a good reason why people rarely use them anymore.

Wow! What an amazing story! A movie could be made from this! There is so much I like about it. First, YOU … you didn't give up when you realized you couldn't afford the B3. You found another way. Second, the MAN … the man who was so generous he not only gave you the B3, he gave you a business, and personally showed you how to run it. He must have saw something in you, and boy was he right. Finally, the B3 itself … how just being connected to it connected you to so many experiences, stories, and opportunities. Thanks for sharing!

Your passion for that B3 has always come thru on your videos! I just felt after the Jon Lord episode that there was more to the story. Thank you for sharing!! I look forward to every episode that you make! My '64 B3 has only 2 signatures but I share the passion.

Man, I knew I liked you as soon as I saw your Riders On The Storm video, and I’ve enjoyed every B3 video too. So glad you shared this story. I could tell instantly that you love what you do, and this helped me appreciate it even more. The fact that you turned this kind deed and opportunity into such a rich lifelong adventure was truly inspiring. 👏🎹

What a fabulous story, Mike, thanks for sharing! Your heritage story, indeed. I love the positive words of advice toward the end too.

A one of a kind instrument with a one of a kind story. Thanks for sharing!

Fantastic story. I enjoyed that. I'm an avid set list collector - and like to hang out after show for signatures. I have a LOT of famous players at this point as I reach my 60th birthday. This is was great!

Some instruments lead a life of their own, influencing the ears and destiny of us. The movie The Red Violin depicts brilliantly a story of such but you related a true story of an instrument that leaves in it’s wake waves of sound heard by thousands, keys played by masters fingers, and guided people into lives of wonder and fulfillment. Maybe luck, maybe destiny, either way we are glad this B3 found it’s self in your hands.

I don’t remember who said it, but the gist of it was, once you decide what you want and commit to it 100%, the universe will get out of your way and you’ll get it. The other thought was that the universe will conspire on your behalf to bring you what you want. Or, what you are seeking is seeking you. Sounds like you had a little bit of everything helping you along the way. Great story! I’m enjoying your channel a lot, and learning along the way.

That's a great story Mike, hats off to you for chasing your dream and putting in the miles and hard work to make it real, thanks for all you share with us my friend 👍

The greatest story 🥹❤️

This has to be one of the most wholesome stories I've heard in a while. Truly inspiring! Thanks, Mike.

I always appreciate your shows, Mike! I've learned a lot of great stuff. But this one had me with streaming tears from halfway through! It truly is amazing how much a thoughtful and generous person can change a life. And you've paid it forward by sharing your art here with those of us that can't quite manage the subscription. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story! Pretty envious about BB and Jon (and the rest!) too- what an adventure!

Really loved hearing this story and the history of your B3. I worry as these beasts age that that repairs will be tricky soon.

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much for your thoughts Mike! Your are in the groove of life.

Thanks for sharing this inspirational story, Mike!

What an amazing story, Mike! Thanks so much for sharing!

Nice job! The blessings of not playing safe 😂

Wow, an amazing story Mike. I really love the story and your passion (as you know we share the same passion). All that history... the signatures man!! An instrument that literally set your life on the right track, thanks to a very generous friend and your dedication. If I ever get to play in Canada I would love to hire this organ.

What an amazing story. thanks for sharing. Congrats!

Great story. Wow how we love our music and instruments

Great story Mike. Following your passion is good counsel, as long as you can put in the work and have the talent and temperament to be great. . And have great teachers!

I don't usually listen to many music stories but I smiled the whole time watching and listening You need one story a week lol great post brother glad to be on your page

Great story, I try to learn all your stuff, still cant play any of it, but it sounds good and its fun, Thanks for sharing.

I was hoping for something a little more Hollywood. I wanted to see the patched bullet holes in the B3 and maybe some scars. Breddy good story, anyway. I can understand your point of view. I grew up in the wretched hellscape of rural Montana in the dark, pre internet days. I can't remember the first time I saw a Hammond outside the cornball versions I saw in the mall organ/piano shop as a kid. Some dude in plaid polyester pumping out cheesy Lawrence Welk types tunes all day. Truly frightening to a child of my rock and roll proclivities. You just didn't see some things in rural areas.... or even in the music stores in the larger towns. The first time I played a hammond was when I was given a M100 a few years ago. I love my baby B3. I can't play it to save my life, but it might block some bullets. Access and understanding of things in the vast, open nothing of the west came at a bit of a cost back in the day. You couldn't hit youtube and get a tutorial on how to play any song. You want to learn something? Buy a book. Buy a magazine. Try to find someone who knew how to play it. I'm not sure the younger generations completely understand the value of the knowledge _given_ away on the internet. Dreams have a limitation. You have to put yourself in a position where you can find opportunities. At least that is my theory. I failed life (LOLE!), so I don't know. Good story. As others who commented said your passion comes out in your videos. I'm not surprised there was a story behind it.

OMG. I'm glad you shared your story. Too late for me as I'm getting old and grey, but hopefully it will inspire young blood out their, even if it is not specifically about organs. You know I wrote to you a way back saying how refreshing it was to see a smiling face and you could tell you were 'All in'. Keep up the good work and inspiring others to play.

awesome story Mike!!

Amazing live story, nice , keep going your good luck👋👍

Great and inspiring video! Thank you for what you do!

Such a great story, and so funny. I'm a guitarist who's obsessed with everything Hammond, but sadly sold my B3 when I moved to a smaller place. However, I kept the Korg O1/Wfd that I bought new. 😆Be honest - you miss that Dyno Piano patch, dontcha?

Great story! thanks for telling it! Your Hammond was travelling so much. I'm always afraid when mine has to be transported that something inside will break

I can pick a b3 out of a mix , no matter how low the volume

Great story!! We all need a godfather, to take the leap, I'm going to ask you something, maybe it's sacrilege... a video about the best virtual Hammond sounds? would you recommend any? thank you Miguel

@Universe Of Keys What are your drawbar settings at the beginning, please? Awesome sound…