360 vs 370

[Rubsoul]

I had a 370/12 with toasters in the past. I really didn't think the 3rd PU on the 12 string was needed. I currently have a 360/12 with toasters and I like the sound a lot better. (The 3rd PU never got in my way).
John

[whojamfan]

One option would be to replace a tone knob with a rotary switch, and use that to control your pickups. With the 5 and 6 way rotary switches, you could have any combination of pickups available with a simple click, and retain the stock look of your instrument. You could then make the pickup selector toggle in to a kill switch, or wire it up like the old 420 and 425s were.
Also, you could RWRP the middle pickup, and set the rotary up like a Stratocaster for some humbucking options. Many possibilities here.

[pfflam]

Does the third pickup influence sustain?

I know that many folks think that the magnetic fields of pickups will hamper string vibration or add unwanted hamronics.

Has anyone experienced this?

And I wonder if the toasters are less influential in this regard than the High-outputs?

[beatlefreak]

Setting the pickup height a proper distance from the strings minimizes the magnetic field influence on them.

[britinvasion]

Setting the pickup height a proper distance from the strings minimizes the magnetic field influence on them.

Exactly. My 370's notes ring very nicely. Stratocasters and SG Customs have 3 pickups , they seem to do fine. If you bring a pickup too close to the strings , it will hamper sustain, no matter how many or few pickups are involved.

[Folkie]

Faustus,

I hear no major difference between high gain pickups and toaster tops when the guitar is played through the right compressor and EQ. There are all sorts of ways of boosting the treble end other than an expensive mod (I think the toaster top pickups alone go for $150 each). I've been very happy with the high gains on my 330/12 and wouldn't think of changing them.

As for the decision between the 360 and the 370, I would definitely go with the two-pickup 360/12, unless you can find some kind of killler price on a 370/12 RM. I myself am in the market for a 360/12 in Fireglo, but right now the prices are out of my range.

Too bad it's impossible for you to audition a guitar with your gear. Maybe you can negotiate some kind of a trial period with a seller on eBay. By the way, what amp are you using with your current Ricky?

Robert

[RutleDirk]

There's also the option of a replacement pot with a pull-up switch that cuts the middle pickup in and out. This way, you don't sacrifice any other functionality or aesthetic elements. The drawback is that without additional rewiring, the middle pickup would still share the volume/tone controls with the neck pickup.

[faustus]

By the way, what amp are you using with your current Ricky?

Robert

Mainly a Music Man 210 sixty-five. Sometimes even a good ol' Vox AC10.

[TheyMightBe]

The third pickup looks a little too busy for my taste. I could probably get by with just the bridge pickup.