Leslie speaker
The Leslie speaker is a specially constructed amplifier/loudspeaker used to create special audio effects utilizing the Doppler effect. Named after its inventor, Donald Leslie, it is particularly associated with the Hammond organ. The Hammond/Leslie combination is now a ubiquitous element in many genres of music. Indeed, the Hammond organ is seldom heard without the Leslie effect (Keith Emerson and Brian Auger being good examples of those who prefer other methods of amplifying a Hammond). Although the Leslie speaker and the Hammond organ are often spoken of as one organized musical system, Hammond originally did not own or manufacture any speakers or parts for the Leslie Corporation, much less advertise for it. Hammond refused to package any Leslie speakers with its organ sales, instead using its own speakers which produced virtually no “Leslie-like” special effects. There are reports of the Hammond Organ Company strong-arming piano and organ stores into not selling Leslie products.
