I love my Nord Electro 3 keyboard. Even though it’s clearly getting on in years, it still delivers faithful service. Especially the organ section is outstanding. What bothered me from the beginning, however, was the regulation of the organ via electronic drawbars and that’s why I bought the Ocean Beach DB-1 Drawbar Controller. Now it’s finally time for a real Hammond feeling.
Building
The Ocean Beach DB-1 Drawbar Controller comes in an extremely sturdy red steel housing. There are a total of 9 drawbars, which are very easy to operate. There are also two Midi connectors, Midi In and Midi Out. These are connected directly to the Midi sockets of my Nord Electro 3. The DIP switch is located under the two screws at the top. The two Aux sockets (in and out) are also 5 pin Midi sockets, if you want to loop through Midi commands.
What is possible with the Ocean Beach DB-1 Drawbar Controller?
I unpacked the part, took two small midi cables and connected them to my Nord Electro. Otherwise I didn’t have to do anything except play with the haptic drawbars. I don’t use the Aux possibilities. I know this is a waste. But for me it was only about one thing. To change organ sounds live and fast.
Live performance
I’m a lot faster now, than when I use the push buttons to change the drawbar settings. The changes are direct, no latency, everything is perfect. I don’t need the presets of the Nord anymore. I change my settings live. That’s how Godfather Jon Lord did it, that’s how Don Airey or Rick Wakemen are doing it with their original Hammond organs today. Live play at its best.
Specifications
- 9 Drawbars
- Red metal housing
- Adapted for North Keyboards with Organ Section. (e.g. Nord Electro)
- Dimensions: 159 x 32 x 133 mm
- Weight: approx. 900 g
- Connections: Midi in/Out, Aux in/Out
- Price approx. 300 €
Summary
I won’t give up the Ocean Beach DB-1 Drawbar Controller until my Nord Electro leaves me, which I hope it never will. The purchase was painful because of the high price, but every Euro has been worth it over the years. An extremely good product.
Plus
- Real Hammond feeling through the drawbars
- Sounds are set super fast
- Extremely simple installation
- Super workmanship, works even after years of live operation
Minus
- Quite reasonable price (approx. 300 €)
