Help me love my new Ricky

[jotmm]

Simon,
Don't forget to learn the wonders of the magical 5th knob. On my 360 with hi-gains, with the pick up switch in the middle, I like to open up the treble volume all the way, dial back just slightly on the bass volume, and use the little 5th knob to adjust their relative volumes, favoring the bridge pickup. That gives a nice jangle with my JC-120.

And I looked up your Reverend Slingshot Custom. I don't think you could find two more different guitars if you tried.

[Scastles]

Simon, everyone has given you some great recommendations. The Jangle Box for its compression, toasters etc, and the Tech 21 is good, for well, a practice amp, and I'm being kind. I've got one. Ricks do have a distinctive sound but the big 'jangle' sound you may be expecting to hear comes with far more presence on a 12 string, as you might expect.

[beefandbones]

What kind of jangle are you looking for, Simon?

Peter Buck, Johnny Marr, and Paul Weller used modern hi-gains and they certainly found the janglability in modern Ricks.

I have a Trademark 10, too, and I use it with my mapleglo 330, so I know what you're going through. If I'm on UK settings, I usually boost the treble a bit, lower the mids, and boost the bass.

Before you spend lots of money on new gear, I would recommend getting used to the guitar first. Play around with the amp some more. Ricks are unusual guitars, and they reveal their splendor to people who are patient with them.

And then, before you spend big money on new gear, try out some flatwound strings. This might help - I've got flats on my 330 and it certainly helps the jangle factor.

After you've tried out some flatwound strings, I hate to say it, but, you might look into a bigger tube amp. Fender, Vox, Traynor, Reverend, etc.

A compressor will help too, I haven't used the Janglebox, but I've heard good things about it. I have a Demeter Computlator that's great for studio stuff, but the Janglebox sounds a little more suited to this kind of thing.

Good luck!

[dmkozak]

Paul, you say toasters are the way to go. You've also said toasters should really be used with a 21 fret neck, instead of a 24 fret neck. Are you saying he'd be better off with toasters, even with a 24 fret neck, than with HiGains, if he want's the Ric jangle?

[jingle_jangle]

The toaster/hi gain/21/24 issue is Tony Carey's bailiwick, not mine, but he makes a convincing argument.

I'll leave this answer up to him.

Tony???

[placebo62]

Hey, thanks so much for all the advice guys. Much appreciated.

I'm going to get me some flatwounds and look into getting a compressor.

I guess not having the jangle was the lesser of my concerns from my original post.

Jeff, I know the Reverend Slingshot is a completely different guitar to the Ric, this is why I got it. I just think that the Rev feels like a better made instrument. Feels more solid, knobs feel more sturdy etc

BUT

I did have a good play around with the 360 last night.

AND

I fiddled with all the knobs on it and on my Tech 21. I'd love to get a decent tube amp down thr track...but I am a relative newcomer so the Trademark 10 suits for my purposes.

AND

I'm liking it....I'm liking it a LOT.

I guess thats bipolar for you.

[ozover50]

Well, there goes my $400 360 - bugger!!

Simon: I'm in Melbourne also, and you're welcome any time to come over and try a few things out, including a Janglebox. I'm in Mitcham.

I've got a couple of multi-effect pedals as well, and a few Ricks (sadly, my 360/6 hadn't arrived yet), so it may be worth your while. If you'd like to email me or call on 0418 109 665, it would be great just to make contact with another Melbourne Rickabite!

There are five of us on the forum so far.......

Cheers....

H