Electro-Harmonix EHX B9 organ pedal

[Doctor Jeff]

I like mine too. It does take time getting used to though and I can't get some of the sounds to work like in the demo. I play it mostly with an old strat. Don't know if the pickups are the issue.

Try using the bridge pickup, guitar volume at 5-6, tone down a bit (not below 5 though or you run into noise gating problems), organ output at 7 or so, amp bass and treble turned down to 3. Play through a clean channel unless you want a dirty rock sound (like Jon Lord).

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

In other threads people have been saying they are combining it with Leslie-type pedals like the Neo Mini Vent ($350!) and a volume pedal.

[mr. beaumont]

Works great with a compressor---evens out your attack.

There are certain intervals it doesn't like...but for the most part, it tracks pretty well.

I've been using it to create backing tracks to play over via a looper. A lot more fun than just playing over another guitar.

It is a gimmick, for sure, but it could be useful in some situations.

[feral guitar]

open your eyes, or rather close your eyes and listen - sounds like a cheesy keyboard

[AlainJazz]

Try using the bridge pickup, guitar volume at 5-6, tone down a bit (not below 5 though or you run into noise gating problems), organ output at 7 or so, amp bass and treble turned down to 3. Play through a clean channel unless you want a dirty rock sound (like Jon Lord).

Cool. Thanks a bunch Jeff.

[AlainJazz]

Works great with a compressor---evens out your attack.

There are certain intervals it doesn't like...but for the most part, it tracks pretty well.

I've been using it to create backing tracks to play over via a looper. A lot more fun than just playing over another guitar.

It is a gimmick, for sure, but it could be useful in some situations.

Jeff, do you put the compressor before or after the B9?

[Doctor Jeff]

open your eyes, or rather close your eyes and listen - sounds like a cheesy keyboard

Well, cheese is in the ears of the listener...

I agree it is a bit of a gimmick, but so is Pat Metheny emulating a harmonica. Many well-known songs used low-budget electronic keyboards--99 Tears, House of the Rising Sun, the Doors' stuff. And don't forget Donald Fagen's famous Plastic Organ on Do It Again.

I think it sounds good and works OK in certain jazz contexts, but I agree it's not for everyone.

[medblues]

I bought a compressor pedal (Xotic SP) just to use with EHX B9. Can someone help me use it to optimize the B9 ? Thanks in advance.

[mongrel]

Well, cheese is in the ears of the listener...

I agree it is a bit of a gimmick, but so is Pat Metheny emulating a harmonica. Many well-known songs used low-budget electronic keyboards--99 Tears, House of the Rising Sun, the Doors' stuff. And don't forget Donald Fagen's famous Plastic Organ on Do It Again.

I think it sounds good and works OK in certain jazz contexts, but I agree it's not for everyone.

"96 Tears". Question Mark and the Mysterians. Of course I will be hearing the organ parts for that entire song in my inner consciousness for the next 24 hours.

[rickshapiro]

Sorry, unless the new iteration is better then the old one; did not like the sounds or tracking on its own. Layered with the guitar it was interesting but not compelling.

[Hep To The Jive]

Just got this today. Great pedal! Even though I try to use as little effects as possible, playing 3 sets instrumental jazz in a trio, you gotta spice it up with something, right? Better to be cheesy than boring.

[Greentone]

Keep all hand vibrato out of your playing when using this pedal. Also, try using simple, two-note intervals and three-note chords--the way you would on a B3. Nobody plays a five-note chord on a Hammond--it sounds too thick.

Think Al Kooper simple. ("Like A Rolling Stone")

[scottkerr]

C9 is like Bach or gospel. The c9 was like 60s or 70s type keyboards, like the Melotron.
It was interesting, played Bach on it. But I play with two keyboards that can do that.

[Dave70]

Yesterday I traded in some old gear of mine that hasn't been touched in years and got a B9 for about $90 out of my pocket at GC.

Tons of fun! Works great fingerstyle, which is how I usually play anyways. It didn't take too long to get used to the feel either. Adding some reverb is nice. I was playing some Beatles and "Sir Duke", my wife and son really thought it sounded cool.

I think I'll use it for some tunes at a gig and surprise the percussionist, lol.

I like the C9 too, but the B9 was on store special for about $40 cheaper and I hate spending money. I'll probably end up getting a C9 in the future...