620/12 tone ??

[theonemanband]

Hi,
I've had my new 620/12 now for about a month and absolutely LOVE IT !! It's been gigged quite a few times now. It's a dream to play and has a truly fantastic sound; exactly what I've been searching for (wish I had bought one years ago)!
I have just one issue that I hope you can help with please.

As I said, the chording/rhythm sound is exactly what I'm looking for; that beautiful Ricky 12string sound BUT, when I play solo's during the song (generally around 10th/15th frets etc.) the sound is thin & tinny and not projecting.
I currently DI in to my PA using an Electro Harmonix 2ube valve DI. and for logistical reasons, I really don't want to get into carrying a guitar combo or lots of foot pedals, but did think a compressor might help?

The guitar seems to be set up perfectly, I have raised the pole pieces for the appropriate strings [hi-gain not "toaster" pickups] and the string height is perfect. As recommended by many, I use the Volume pots up full, treble tone up full 100%, bass tone down fully 0% and use the fifth control as a master tone control; this setup seems to work best for me, but any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.
PS. Strings are 10-46

Cheers.................Brian.

[vjf1968]

Have you looked into getting a Jangle Box? If you do you have re-think your EQuing a bit because set the wrong way the treble on the Jangle Box can take someone's head clean off.

The other option is getting a something like this http://www.joemeek.com/threeq.html and put it in a rack with maybe a rack tuner or velcro the bottom of the unit and the top of your PA and stick it there. Run your guitar signal through the unit and into a flat channel on your PA. Or your run your current DI set up and have the Joe Meek as an insert to smooth out the transients.

Telling us what kind of PA you're using would help.

[theonemanband]

Cheers Vincent, thanks for the response.

As I said, I am absolutely delighted with the sound I'm getting, the issue is really the discrepancy between the chording [rhythm] playing and the tone when soloing, [which is weak & thin sounding]!
The Joe Meek unit looks interesting though, would a compressor solve the issue? I've never seen one before, I'll check it out;

Meanwhile any other advice greatly appreciated.

Telling us what kind of PA you're using would help.

Soundcraft EFX8 desk; Hi hz/Low hz/ Mid sweep with Yamaha DXR12 active speakers.

[Rubsoul]

Have you looked into getting a Jangle Box?

Vincent took the words out of my mouth.
I bought a Janglebox last month and cannot believe how well it projects the sound of a Rickenbacker. (or anything else you play through it!). It was well worth the the extra bucks for the Janglebox. I use for mainly for 6 and 12 360 models......... solid bodies, hollow, Godins... if you get my point!

Just my 2 cents.
John

[vjf1968]

Cheers Vincent, thanks for the response.

As I said, I am absolutely delighted with the sound I'm getting, the issue is really the discrepancy between the chording [rhythm] playing and the tone when soloing, [which is weak & thin sounding]!
The Joe Meek unit looks interesting though, would a compressor solve the issue? I've never seen one before, I'll check it out;

Meanwhile any other advice greatly appreciated.

Telling us what kind of PA you're using would help.

Soundcraft EFX8 desk; Hi hz/Low hz/ Mid sweep with Yamaha DXR12 active speakers.

Do you have a 12 saddle bridge on your 620/12 or is a 6 saddle bridge? That could be causing some of the problem since you have 2 strings occupying the space intended for one.

I have a 660/12 with the 12 saddle bridge and I think that is a great improvement. I should have thought of asking you this before.

If you're using roundwound strings try going to flatwounds. That will give you a more authentic vintage tone, better intonation, and the strings will last longer

[theonemanband]

I've ordered a Jangle Box today, should get it next week.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers.......Brian.

[theonemanband]

So, I've got my Janglebox 1, I can certainly see that it should be a really useful useful tool once I've got the hang of it.

I'm totally new to using compression so please excuse my naivety ; I'm experimenting with different settings to try and get the best result from it but I'm really feeling my way in the dark.

As the user guide suggests, I've started with both controls (Gain & Attack) set at 12 o'clock and have found that only a slight adjustment makes a big difference to the sound.

I really would appreciate your setting suggestions for getting the best from this comp.

Great unit, well made etc.; I am really pleased, but the one and only downside for me is the lack of "quick" access to the battery compartment.

Cheers.........Brian

[jimk]

I'm glad to hear you like your Jangle Box. I set mine with the attack at about 12:00 and the gain at about 1:00 or so. The difference is that I have a 360/12 string, and run it through the normal channel of my Vox AC15, with the tone cut knob at about 12:00. This last bit of information may or may not make any sense to you, since I don't know what amp you're using.

In the end though, you'll find the sound you like. It's all a matter of experimentation. Have fun and enjoy.
JimK

[Folkie]

Welcome to the JangleBox club, Brian!