In praise of Hi-Gains

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:53 am

I would volunteer, but not for a month or so, as my studio schedule is tight to say the least at the moment.

You would have to consider the different types of toasters...the earlier hot ones (lovely) & the 7.4 scatterwounds.
It is also worth mentioning that my 1980 330's hi-gains are totaly different in sound to the modern hi-gains.

I do agree though,that for a start, the paremeters could be....330/360 with 24 fret neck with a, modern hi-gains. b, 'hot' toasters. c, 7.4's. At least that would give us some idea.

Larry, I would propose Marshall 100w & 4x12 for both clean & dirty......because that's what I use!

red_rob · Post by **red_rob** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:31 am

Then we need: Bridge pick up, neck pick up, both pickups.

This would be an excellent tool for us Rickenbrothers! - has anyone got the time and extensive ordnance required?!

wormdiet · Post by **wormdiet** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:50 am

Interesting on the distorted toasters. Back when I had it, I preferred playing my 660/12 distorted much of the time.

bitzerguy · Post by **bitzerguy** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:09 am

I agree with John 100%.

I use my 660/12 both clean and distorted. No tone trouble on either. Perhaps the 12 str handles distortion better than a 6. Or the solid body construction smooths out the rough edges?

I haven't had the opportunity to try a 660/6 out yet.

...Dean

karl_teten · Post by **karl_teten** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:09 am

There is a 3 high-gain set on eBay right now that someone is selling. Early 80's pups.

These would be holy grail high-gains!

I get incredible overdrive sounds from my 7.4K toasters.

I play through an AC30.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 2:13 pm

"I get incredible overdrive sounds from my 7.4K toasters."

This is interesting. Karl, are you saying that the overdrive on your 7.4's is as good as, or better than hi-gains?

karl_teten · Post by **karl_teten** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:29 pm

Thats a personal choice compairing them to high-gains.

I like the sound of vintage toasters through low watt amps the best.

Part of the magic with 7.4K toasters is having to turn up a lower watt tube amp along with the use of lower ferrous nickle strings.

THATS THE SOUND!!

I use nickle flats and nickle rounds.

It's the same sounds you hear on all the 60 recordings if you know the right guitar and amp configurations.

Plugged in a Marshall they will nail the early WHO. Thats classic toaster overdrive!!!

Also, listen to classic Steppenwolf.

karl_teten · Post by **karl_teten** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:32 pm

I think some new toaster users have had sour luck because they tried a guitar with the overwound toaster reissues from last decade (some like those overwound toasters!)

If you use steel strings along with a high wattage amp, you will fight them.

red_rob · Post by **red_rob** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 12:05 am

Would the consensus then be that the CW sucks with distortion? I don't play thrash or anything like, but I like a nice bit of overdrive.

If this is the case then my decsion is made...

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 12:10 am

I sold mine Rob.....

red_rob · Post by **red_rob** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 5:00 am

I see Tony...

Then the die is cast! Thanks guys - I'll let you know when my 24-fret high gainer arrives!

Oooh, she'll be black and shiny alright. Like a black mirror. "how much blacker could it be?" I'll ask myself. and the answer will be "none. None more black".

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 6:40 pm

>>>None more black

replace that white plastic with black plastic and it will be plenty more black... and VERY cool looking.

eggman · Post by **eggman** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 3:43 am

Howdy,

The Hi-Gains on my new 360 are good for playing "Amos Moses" (Jerry Reed). With the toggle switch all the way down, Chickin' Pickin' can certainly be done on a 360!
I say this because for years I had 330's and found them to be more open and somewhat more hmm..Jazzy if you will, compared to the 360. Anyway, give me Hi-Gains for a Rickenbacker 6-string.

Larry

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:35 am

As Aitch sez: Horses for courses!

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 7:49 am

I really liked the sound of my 1997 325v63(Hot Toasters?)with distortion.Very diffent than my 330 with Hi-Gains.It had a kinda P-90 G-R-R-R-L that surprised me.