330 Feedback. Cures?

[Colonel Blues]

If the cause has been found, why don't you just waxpot your current PUs to cure that larsen ???

[FredC]

If the cause has been found, why don't you just waxpot your current PUs to cure that larsen ???

For a few reasons.. We want to go with Vintage Output and Look and once you wax there's 'no going back' and so as not to molest the guitar's original pickups (for collectability, resale later, etc). Plus we won't know for sure this is the cause (although it most likely is) until we actually do the mod.

[billydlight]

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

You'll likethe way it sounds a lot better too... have you tried your V64?

[FredC]

You'll likethe way it sounds a lot better too... have you tried your V64?

Yes, the V64 was more tolerant.. - which is what gave us the idea to go with the lower output toasters and boost their signal outside the body of the 330. If you've never tried one of these, they work magic on Rickenbackers. I especially like the SFX-01 with the super low output c58 pickups.

[FredC]

When pulling off the original pickups I noticed this.. This cannot be normal. The bars are split and look like chipped on both pickups only on the "south" sides of the center hole. I googled photos of the backs of other hi gains and found nothing like what these look like. Before going any further I need to contact Rickenbacker. The guitar is less than 6 months old.

PS: In the meantime, we cut and installed foam for both sides of the body cavities. The feedback tolerance is now 3 full amp volume settings higher than it used to be. i.e. Before foam, Feeds back at 5. After Foam, feeds back at 8. - All other settings the same for both tests - Treble on 10 on Guitar and Amp.. Max Volume on Guitar. Bass on amp at 5 Mid on Amp at 5. - All clean settings - no pedals or effects.

[FredC]

Final report:

We ended up cutting 2 pieces of 1" foam to fit and filled both body cavities. (Left side squished through the soundhole with no problem.)

Feedback gone. No need for wax-potted pickups.

[fluffy]

hmmmm, and I was just gonna say turn your gain down

[FredC]

hmmmm, and I was just gonna say turn your gain down

Can't turn the gain down! The guitar is used by "The Edge" of a Professional Touring U2 Tribute Band.. Gotta have Mr. The Edge's Tones!

http://hollywoodu2.com