TEST: Electro Harmonix B9

 Even if many people like to claim the opposite, it really isn't easy as a guitarist. On the one hand, the eternal ego shootdown with the singers, on the other hand, the musically tangible arguments with the keyboard players, and worse, pianists. Most of them are well trained musically, can play notes and are equipped with five fretting fingers and several octaves more. They can annoy you so much with their harmony that you actually just want them out of the band as quickly as possible. If it weren't for the sound hole they leave behind...

OK, in a Depeche Mode cover band it would probably be the guitarist who has to jump over the blade first. In a real classic rock band, however, a key juggler basically only needs 3 sounds. 1.) Piano, 2.) Synth-Brass and 3.) Hammond Organ. Especially with the third sound, many long-suffering colleagues from the seventies see the classic B3 in their eyes, paired with the indispensable Leslie rotor cabinet, both best in a flight case, together making a transport weight of around 300 kilograms. It was a nice time...

Wouldn't it be even nicer if, as a guitarist, you could at least rudimentarily produce real-sounding organ sounds with your instrument in order to significantly increase the degree of self-sufficiency? Aware of this problem, one of the biggest traditional companies when it comes to stompboxes, the American company around Mike Matthews called Electro Harmonix, has brought a pedal called B9 Organ Machine onto the market, which is intended to help.




construction

While Electro Harmonix devices were initially characterized by thin metal boxes, scratchy potentiometers and adventurous free-flight wiring (“Electro Was-Well-Nothing”), the current products come with a contemporary layout. The thin sheet metal has given way to a solid steel construction, which will vehemently withstand even tough road use. The scope of delivery also includes a 9V power supply, which spits out 200 mA and is listed as an official Boss and Ibanez replacement power supply.

In the case of the Electro Harmonix B9 Organ machine, it is a white housing that is equipped with a total of five potentiometers. Two volume controls regulate the guitar and organ parts, and the signals can also be sent to different amplifiers due to the two outputs. If you only use the “Organ” out, the output signal is mixed. Depending on the organ type, a MOD controller regulates the vibrato, tremolo and rotor cabinet effect (chorus) parameters. Using CLICK you can control the proportion of the typical attack when pressing a key; at maximum level you can achieve the effect of a percussion instrument.

The following presets are supplied as organ types:

1.) FAT & FULL (Adds one octave up and down to the original tone - Mod control: Chorus)

2.) JAZZ (sound based on the organ protagonist Jimmy Smith - Mod control: Chorus)

3.) GOSPEL (Suitable for Soul, adds an octave up - Mod control: Chorus)

4.) CLASSIC ROCK (A rather dull basic sound that, without any modulation and corresponding distortion, is strongly reminiscent of the classic Deep Purple sound of Jon Lord, who also amplified his B3 with Marshall stacks at the time. - Mod control: Chorus)

5.) BOTTOM END (Designed for the typical bass lines of an organist, amplifies the parts of the low drawbars / pull controls - Mod control: Chorus)

6.) OCTAVES (Offers an additional octave and controls the overtones in addition to the attack noise via the click control - Mod control: Chorus)

7.) CATHEDRAL (Typical church organ sound - Mod control: Tremolo)

8.) CONTINENTAL (Squeaky organ sound in the “House Of The Rising Sun” style - Mod control: Vibrato)

9.) BELL ORGAN (the combination of electric piano and organ sound, the click control regulates the amount of bells - mod control: tremolo)




Practice

The fact that keyboard and string instruments never really want to belong together is not only due to the usually diametrically opposed personalities of their players. Rather, despite their polyphonic orientation, both instruments are more different in terms of expressive possibilities than it might seem at first glance. A little tip on the side: if the keyboard player complains about your poor legato skills again, just take the sustain pedal away from him, he will then treat you with a completely different value.

If you really want the Electro Harmonix B9 Organ Machine pedal to sound like an organ, you first have to think like an organist. Boost your voicing skills again and work your way cleanly through both the basics and the two reversals and the sun will rise. In addition, it is not recommended to shred the power chords in heavy rock style in low registers on the bass strings, as on the one hand the position is below the usual organ voicings and on the other hand the tone generator in this position tends to lose sight of the keyed note and die.

You should also keep in mind that a tone on an organ can vibrate indefinitely when the key is pressed, while a guitar string will inevitably have too little vibration energy at some point to keep the tone alive. An upstream compressor extends the lifespan of the sound, but also limits the protagonist's dynamic expression possibilities. In general, dynamics can of course be smoked in the pipe with an organ. The motto is on/off, a real “digital” instrument, and it’s not for nothing that all real organs have a volume pedal.

In terms of sound, however, the Electro Harmonix B9 Organ Machine Pedal is truly convincing. The different sounds are in fact very close to the original and, thanks to the tasteful presets, offer enough choice to cover all facets, from church bleating to classic rock. Unfortunately, you cannot switch between the different presets during operation unless you kneel on the floor and do it by hand.

The fact remains that you have to adapt your playing style to the pedal. Simply give the singer / songwriter Schrammelheinz and assume that the pedal will now provide the appropriate organ accompaniment, unfortunately it doesn't work. In addition to accentuated plectrum playing, the Electro Harmonix B9 Organ Machine pedal works excellently with controlled finger picking.



Conclusion

With the Electro Harmonix B9 Organ Machine Pedal, the American company has a real blast in its luggage. Equipped with very good presets, the pedal allows you to imitate the most important stylistic elements of a Hammond organ and its colleagues when played appropriately. The workmanship of the pedal is very good and the operation is self-explanatory.

However, anyone hoping that they could finally drive the keyboard player to hell will be suddenly disappointed. In terms of harmonics and playing technology, the Electro Harmonix B9 Organ Machine pedal won't be able to replace a full-fledged keyboard player, but it's enough to scare him so that he doesn't feel too confident about his position.

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Additional Informations:

In the realm of guitar effects pedals, few names carry as much weight and influence as Electro-Harmonix (EHX). Established in 1968 by Mike Matthews, Electro-Harmonix has become synonymous with innovation, creativity, and sonic experimentation. With a diverse range of pedals that have shaped the sound of countless musicians across genres, EHX has left an indelible mark on the world of music. This article delves into the rich history, groundbreaking innovations, and enduring legacy of Electro-Harmonix.

Founding and Early Years:
Electro-Harmonix was founded in New York City at a time when the electric guitar was undergoing a revolution in sound. Mike Matthews, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for music and electronics, established the company with the goal of creating innovative effects pedals that would push the boundaries of guitar tone. In its early years, EHX gained attention with pedals like the LPB-1 (Linear Power Booster) and the Big Muff Pi, which quickly became iconic staples in the rigs of guitarists seeking bold, expressive tones.

The Big Muff Pi: A Legend is Born:
One of Electro-Harmonix's most enduring contributions to the world of music is the Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal. Introduced in the early 1970s, the Big Muff Pi quickly gained a cult following among guitarists for its thick, saturated fuzz tones and dynamic response. From David Gilmour's soaring leads to Billy Corgan's wall of distortion, the Big Muff Pi has left an indelible mark on the sound of rock, blues, and alternative music. Its enduring popularity and timeless design have cemented its status as a true classic in the world of guitar effects.

Innovations in Analog Delay:
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Electro-Harmonix continued to innovate with groundbreaking pedals like the Memory Man analog delay. The Memory Man, introduced in 1976, offered guitarists lush, warm delay effects with analog circuitry that imparted a distinctive character to the sound. Its rich modulation capabilities and organic decay made it a favorite among players seeking vintage-inspired tones with a touch of warmth and character. The Memory Man remains a sought-after pedal among collectors and musicians, showcasing EHX's commitment to analog craftsmanship and sonic excellence.

Resurgence in the 21st Century:
After a hiatus in the 1980s and early 1990s, Electro-Harmonix experienced a resurgence in the 21st century, driven by a renewed focus on innovation and product development. Under the leadership of Mike Matthews and a team of talented engineers, EHX introduced a new wave of pedals that combined vintage-inspired tones with modern features and functionality. Pedals like the POG (Polyphonic Octave Generator), the Electric Mistress flanger, and the Cathedral reverb pushed the boundaries of what was possible in terms of sound design and performance, earning EHX a new generation of fans and admirers.

Digital Innovation:
While EHX built its reputation on analog circuitry and vintage-inspired tones, the company has also embraced digital technology to create innovative effects pedals with unparalleled versatility and flexibility. Pedals like the HOG (Harmonic Octave Generator) and the Freeze Sound Retainer showcase EHX's ability to harness the power of digital processing to create unique, expressive effects that were previously impossible to achieve with analog circuitry alone. These pedals have become essential tools for adventurous musicians seeking to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of creativity.

The Legacy Lives On:
As Electro-Harmonix celebrates over five decades of sonic innovation, the company's legacy continues to inspire musicians, engineers, and enthusiasts around the world. From its humble beginnings in a New York City basement to its status as a global leader in the world of guitar effects, EHX has remained true to its founding principles of innovation, creativity, and sonic excellence. With a diverse range of pedals that span the gamut from classic fuzz and modulation effects to cutting-edge digital processors, Electro-Harmonix remains at the forefront of the industry, shaping the sound of music for generations to come.