A tonewheel is a relatively primitive apparatus for generating electronic musical notes. The tonewheel assembly consists of a synchronous AC motor and an associated gearbox that drives a series of rotating disks. Each disk contains a set of bumps that generate a specific frequency through a corresponding pickup assembly, consiting of a magnet and coil. The frequency depends on the speed of rotation of the disk and the number of bumps. A single fundamental frequency can be combined with one or more harmonics to produce complex sounds. A tonewheel was used in the Teleharmonium and in the original Hammond organs.
Hammond organs FAQ Page has lots of Q&A and how-to info, and the Hammond and Leslie Models page shows the features and time frame of the different tonewheelHammond organs.
You may have to look at the front panel or open the back of the organ to find the serial number plate to find the model or type.
The clones: besides Hammond-Suzuki, there is also the new model of the Korg CX-3 and BX-3, the Nord Electro, the Roland VK-8 and VK-77, the Voce Key5 and V5, the E-MU B-3 module, the Blue Chip OX-7 and Baby B.
Since the tonewheels may be shared between several different notes, a normal microtonal scale does not make sense; you can't detune one note without affecting all of the others.
Calling up the Tonewheel Organ automatically allocates all 91 tonewheels, all of which can be played simultaneously.
Since all 91 tonewheels are always being produced, voice allocation settings are ignored.
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