Gear Review: “Diamond” Jim Greer of the Rondo Brothers on his Moog Cordovox CDX-0652 Organ

“Diamond” Jim Greer is no stranger to the recording studio. As part of the Rondo Brothers duo, he’s been involved with over 70 records to date. He was the lead writer on Galactic’s “Heart of Steel”, sung by Irma Thomas and listed by NY Times’ as one of the “Top Ten Songs of 2010”. Other notable projects to which he has contributed include: Yoko Ono, Tipsy, Dr. Octagon, Cyndi Harvell, Foster The People, Samantha Stollenwerck, Stanton Moore, The Houseman, MC Lars, Eric Lindell, Loquat, Vinyl, New York Dolls, and more. With this much experience it goes without saying that Jim would have certain gear to help him achieve his trademark sound. Here’s what Greer had to say about his gear and what it means to him.

What 1 piece if gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Jim: I use a small collection of great instruments and they are all part of it. Fender Strat, Fender P bass, Martin Acoustic, Wurlitzer, upright piano, and a whole bunch of cool synths and drum machines. Since you probably want an interesting one, I’ll pick the very rare Moog Cordovox combo organ that I have, that I use on the record, especially on the song “Memory and Logic.”

What about it makes it so important to you?
Jim: My friend Herman Jolly gave it to me after I saw his band use it on a tour and at some huge shows, and when they were done being a band, he let me have it.

What are the major pros and cons?
Jim: All pros, no cons. Maybe it buzzes a little. It has Moog sounds that no other Moog has.

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever change it?
Jim: Had it for 4 or 5 years, use it in studio only, would use it live if I was bringing a roadie and got a huge custom case because it’s huge!

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
Jim: Not really. Gear is meaningless. Good music comes from the heart and if you mean it, you can tap on a box and sing, or pick notes on a broken guitar. Gear is just a means to an end. I do buy new stuff once in a while, new toys, fun things, and for better or worse I have to keep way up with software stuff because it advances so fast.

Check out the song: “Beeps”