330 Feedback. Cures?

[FredC]

Does anyone have any ideas on curbing feedback on a Rick 330/12 with Hi Gains? (2013 Model)

The rig is Guitar > Fractal Audio Axe FX II > Korg A3 > House system.

An amp is only used for stage monitoring. We use any/or: Vox AC15C1, Vox AC30C2, Roland KC350 Full Range.

I've heard the rubber pickup grommets may cause feedback. This one already has full rubber mounting rings.

[paologregorio]

adjust the tone cut on the amp down to almost zero (anti=clockwise); also the AC is already bright so you don't need a whole lotta treble either.

[scotty]

Interestingly when Mark Rob and I were at Grahams playing the Weller guitars Mark found some sponge shoved up the upper horn.Im sure PT used the same method as Im sure ive read that somewhere.

[Clint]

My guess would be some parameters on either the Fractal Audio Axe FX II or the Korg A3 not playing nice with each other and pushing the guitar into feedback. It could also be the pregain set too hot at the board. I doubt it has much to do with the foam mounting ring.

[FredC]

My guess would be some parameters on either the Fractal Audio Axe FX II or the Korg A3 not playing nice with each other and pushing the guitar into feedback. It could also be the pregain set too hot at the board. I doubt it has much to do with the foam mounting ring.

It runs through either one or the other. When the A3 is on, the Axe FX is in Bypass. The A3 is there just for one specific tune. (Mysterious Ways). The feedback has occurred at different venues with different boards and different engineers.

[FredC]

Interestingly when Mark Rob and I were at Grahams playing the Weller guitars Mark found some sponge shoved up the upper horn.Im sure PT used the same method as Im sure ive read that somewhere.

This was my thought too. High gain single coils in a Semi-Hollow with a soundhole.. Fill it with foam. The Epiphone Casino/Gibson 330 is a similar guitar and has the same problem - although those are full hollow. We're going to give that a try but I thought I'd ask around here first for any other solutions.

[Clint]

One last thought, the amp you use for on stage monitoring, is it pointing right at you? If so, move it off to the side or put it behind you.

[FredC]

One last thought, the amp you use for on stage monitoring, is it pointing right at you? If so, move it off to the side or put it behind you.

We're trying that and some different things like knocking the compressor setting down a notch or two. The Axe and Korg go straight to board so it may be that the Rick doesn't like the full-range speaker output... or it may be a combo of that plus the hi-gains. If none of this gets it under control we'll have a look at swapping out the pickups for regular toasters.

[paologregorio]

I've shoved foam inside the sound hole on a Rick, but that didn't work. Controlled, wailing/moaning feedback is desirable at times. What one wants to avoid is the "ice pick" feedback. I use a lot of overdrive onstage, with an additional pedal's boost onstage. I've had the most success controlling feedback by adjusting the various pots on the amp and pedals.

Best wishes for a solution, and please share your observations and results.

[FredC]

I've shoved foam inside the sound hole on a Rick, but that didn't work. Controlled, wailing/moaning feedback is desirable at times. What one wants to avoid is the "ice pick" feedback. I use a lot of overdrive onstage, with an additional pedal's boost onstage. I've had the most success controlling feedback by adjusting the various pots on the amp and pedals.

Best wishes for a solution, and please share your observations and results.

Yes its "Ice Picking" ...that's the problem. We're at 'concert venue' volumes so I think you may be right about tweaking one or more of the effects for this particular guitar. The average is 5 guitars on stage (Its a U2 Tribute) but the Rick is the only one with this problem.

[paologregorio]

I just noticed you use a compressor; in my experience, compressors are notorious for causing "ice pick" feedback in my Ricks, far bigger offenders than amps alone, or overdrive pedals; I generally don't use them, but I do like the effect of the Dyna Comp compressor Jake Kety gave me; it works nicely without the "ice pick" effect if the output is at 2 o'clock and the sensitivity is at 10 o'clock.

[FredC]

I just noticed you use a compressor; in my experience, compressors are notorious for causing "ice pick" feedback in my Ricks, far bigger offenders than amps alone, or overdrive pedals; I generally don't use them, but I do like the effect of the Dyna Comp compressor Jake Kety gave me; it works nicely without the "ice pick" effect if the output is at 2 o'clock and the sensitivity is at 10 o'clock.

The compressors we use are contained within the chains of the Axe FX and the Korg A3. Each song in the list is program specific so we're tweaking the biggest offenders and if that does the trick we'll go through and re-geek compression on all the 'Rick 12' tunes.

For floor units, I agree the Dyna Comp is great. I used to use one of those on a Fender Rhodes years ago too. I also like the BOSS CS-3. Harrison always said the trick to the Rick 12 was to use extra light strings, a thin pick and a compressor.

[JakeK]

The room size and whats in it are also key factors, for feedback and overall tone, from my experience.

I generally don't use them, but I do like the effect of the Dyna Comp compressor Jake Kety gave me; it works nicely without the "ice pick" effect if the output is at 2 o'clock and the sensitivity is at 10 o'clock.

Still going strong, I take it?

[paologregorio]

Yep!

I completely agree on the light strings on the Rick 12, unlike most. I like an .009 or even .008 set.

[FredC]

Update...

Reducing compression had no effect. Backing off on comp/gain/treble levels to the point of having the minimum effect we need did nothing. It still squealed like a pig at the last gig. (Its a U2 Tribute Band so we need to run it with effects like The Edge. We're using a Fractal Audio Axe FX II Mark II and a Korg A3).

After extensive discussion with several renowned Luthiers (REAL Luthiers - not 'techs' lol) and with Mr. Seymour Duncan personally, the common consensus is that the feedback is being caused by the pickups lacking wax potting.

So.. I've ordered a set of Vintage Toasters and will wax pot them before installing. We decided to replace the Hi-Gains with VIntage Style and will boost output outside the guitar - which is what Edge does. I've got several Duncan SFX-01 Pickup Boosters which work extremely well with Rickenbacker Pickups. The next gig is January 4th at The Coach House. We'll see what happens.

Anyone in SoCal.. Here's the gig. Come on down!
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEv ... 4&pl=coach