Electro Harmonix B9 Organ Machine

An "organ machine" that has become a classic for capturing the spirit of vintage keyboards

The B9 Organ Machine follows in the footsteps of Electro-Harmonix pedals that provide access to "instrumental" textures without using a synth or MIDI system. Here, the idea is clear: to recapture the tone and presence of legendary electric organs, with that small detail that makes all the difference-the famous key click (the typical percussion/attack) and a modulation tailored to the character of each preset. The result: you switch from a guitar rhythm to a convincing organ pad with a single switch, perfect for thickening a trio, replacing a keyboard part, or creating layers in the studio.

Who is it for, what styles, and in what contexts?

The B9 is aimed at guitarists and keyboardists who want to thicken an arrangement without adding a second instrument on stage. It is ideal for rock (power trios, classic rock, indie), blues and soul (organ-style comping), gospel, but also in ambient or cinematic contexts whenever layers are stacked with delay and reverb after the pedal.

Live, it works wonders when you need to fill the space between bass and drums or double a chorus with an organ texture. In the studio, it becomes a quick sound design tool: you record a clean guitar take, then sculpt the attack level and modulation to make it "speak" like a real organ. Among users spotted on pedalboards are The Edge, Gary Clark Jr., and Josh Klinghoffer, proving that this "pedal" format can become a true production and stage tool.

Controls, routing, and key points to know

The interface is immediate: a preset selector to choose the organ, then four controls to tailor the result to your playing. The DRY / ORGAN mix allows you either to fully replace your original sound or create very effective overlays (guitar + organ) in a mix. The CLICK knob adjusts the level of the percussive attack, useful for shifting from a softer organ to a very "snappy" and rhythmic organ. The MOD knob controls the speed (and depending on the preset, the type) of modulation, ranging from subtle movement to a more pronounced effect.

Regarding connectivity, the B9 offers an ORGAN OUTPUT that delivers the mix set by DRY and ORGAN, and a DRY OUTPUT that sends your input signal directly, handy for advanced setups: for example, sending the organ to a dedicated chain (chorus/rotary/delay/reverb) while keeping the guitar going to the main amp. Note: the footswitch activates a buffered bypass and the DRY output remains available, which can simplify certain stage routings.

Integration tip: for cleaner tracking and better responsiveness, place the B9 at the start of the chain (before most effects), then add your modulations, delays, and reverbs afterward. Like any tracking effect, it appreciates clean playing and well-defined notes; a light compressor can also help even out the attack if needed.

The sound

The B9 does not just "imitate an organ": it aims for that sense of body and sustain associated with vintage keyboards, while maintaining a pleasant dynamic response under the fingers. The sound can range from a warm, rounded organ perfect for chord stabs to brighter textures with emphasized percussion to lock in the rhythm. The built-in modulation adds the essential movement (vibrato/tremolo/chorus depending on the preset) and quickly gives it the feel of a "full-fledged instrument." In dry/organ mix mode, you get very inspiring hybrid sounds: guitar attack + organ sustain, ideal for melodic lines that remain clear while filling the space.

Technical specifications

Effects	Modeling Processor	Type	sector
Technology	Digital	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black
Number of tracks	9

9 presets	Fat & Full, Jazz, Gospel, Classic Rock, Bottom End, Octaves, Cathedral, Continental, Bell Organ	Input	6.35mm TS jack (unbalanced)
Potentiometers	Dry Volume, Organ Volume, Mod (modulation speed), Click (percussive attack level)	Outputs	6.35mm TS jack (unbalanced) (Dry Output), 6.35mm TS jack (unbalanced) (Organ Output)
Selector	Preset	Dry Output	direct signal available independently of effect/bypass mode
Footswitch	Bypass	Dimensions	10.2 x 12.1 x 5.7 cm
Bypass	buffered	Reference	OPC2511M10
Input impedance	1M ohm	Required power supply	9V DC (center negative)
Output impedance	500 ohm	Consumption	100 mA