Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Tony, thanks for the response to my question. The V64 and '97 are favorites of mine. I can understand why you play the 12-string more than the 6-string. I think this is a good testament to those that think the 12-string is a one-trick-pony. Especially with the 3-piece band, it adds a lot of depth and helps fatten the sound up tremendously - and your playing leads on it! I am interested to know if in fact you add some overdrive from time-to-time?

I can relate to Kent's question about a 4th player. How do you think an acoustic rhythm would sound? It's interesting to me that your band is a 3-piece, Bob mentioned playing in a lot of 3-piece bands and I am now in a 3-piece British Invasion band. I like the 3 pieces but we have decide to try to find a 4th player that would play a lot of acoustic (some electric) to round out the sound. Much like the Beatles (mostly early to mid) sound with Lennon playing a ton of J160E. That sound is magical, IMO. Because we do all covers (40% Beatles), that sound is in my head. It sounds like you do a lot, if not all, originals, and that might make a difference. Plus, I get the feeling that you use your effects, effectively, to minimize the drop-off. I have experienced a lot less drop-off in our latest performances and I do use compression and occasional overdrive and chorus. I might try the delay again. So, the whole 3-piece thing really is quite interesting.

Tony, you indicated a concern of not getting the sound to muddied-up, so to speak, with another guitar, and I can relate to that. If the 3-piece is really cooking it can be "pure and simple" and uncomplicated to the point that it sounds quite good live. Recording however might be a completely different story.

Another thing, you have inspired me to try a Marshall (tube amp). I am curious. I use an AC30TBX and I like it but I am going to take my 12-string to the music store and try it with a good Marshall. I will admit, I am partial to Vox and open backs. I will let you know how it goes.

Hey Bill, I'm glad I'm making you think Marshall, they are superb amps. Mine is quite old now late '70's or early '80's I think. The Carnivores are a rock band & I play with overdrive on nearly everything (amp overdrive, not a peddle).
I have heard it said many times that the Marshall clean sound is not very good....RUBBISH (they also say Rics can't solo...pah!). I had a chap in the studio only two days ago, playing Shadows & the Marshall through a 4x12 sounded big & warm & quality. I must confess, combos are just not my thing.

An acoustic gtr would not suit my band, but I have played with that line up & it does sound good. The acoustic adds some back up, but without getting in the way of the electric...a really great sound.

My little band has me on electric rhythm (Ric 360 & Vox AC15) and the lead guitar guy (tele through a Traynor) and I think we compliment ourselves well (after all it's a tried-and-true instrument lineup to say the least). He also sings and plays harp alot so its not like we're always playing at the same time. To me it sometimes seems like we absolutely must have the two guitars going in order to be able to do the song at all..... "Sleepwalk" is one example of this. But then again, we're not what you'd call a power rock band .... more oldie oriented, good harmonies, some blues, etc etc.

As much as we all love the Beatles (the drummer is part time in a Beatles imitation band) we do only a few Fab Four tunes (And I Love Her, One After 909 (1962 style), and This Boy.

Having said that, the one-guitar, bass, drums setup does have a certain raw-ness and uncomplicated punch to it. Naturally it puts a HUGE burden on the one guitarist to make it sound good.

Bob - I'm buying a guitar - I ordered a 360/6 BBR about two months ago.

Andy, thanks for the response. I will let you know how the Marshall tryout goes. I play mostly clean with the CW12-string and 6-string Gretsch RHH with occasional overdrive; the compressor is always on and I use some chorus from time to time. That's why I like the AC30 w/blues, its got a lot of headroom. If you go to "Clough's Classics" and "welcome Roy Clough" thread, you will see my post that lists some of the songs we do and you will get a good idea of the kind of sound we strive for. Its all about the style you play. The application dictates a lot of the variables.

Kent, I like the description of your band and I am sure I would like hearing you all play. BTW, I love Sleepwalk. Have you ever heard Setzer's version?

We do it pretty much like the original (except extended). Setzer's version is good... (Brian Setzer himself is GREAT)

Ever hear Danny Gatton's version? Yipes! Humbling to say the least. THAT dude is from another planet.