Tomcat, actually the B3 was the original style, marketed radio stations, churches and the like. The 3 is the progression from BV and B2 which didn't have percussion. The surprising popularity of the organ in churches prompted Hammond to make a more traditional, closed front cabinet (C3). A similar model, the RT-D, had a larger (AGO) 32-pedal board and was sold to churches whose organists demanded a regulation (size and spacing) pedalboard. The B3's popularity on the lounge circuit was originally quite a surprise. The Leslie speaker (a cabinet made by one of Hammond's previous employees, but refused by Hammond) is what really brought the B3 to the jazz and pop players.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 11-27-2003).]