Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

nukebass wrote: I always thought the pickup was used for I Feel Fine and that acoustic strings were used. I could be wrong. Thanks for the help!!

As far as I know you are correct.
GHS makes acoustic strings called "White Bronze". This may be the answer to your problem. Here is what GHS says about them:

White Bronze™

Category: Acoustic Guitar

Description:
Wound with “Alloy 52™”, these strings are magnetically active which makes them ideal for acoustic/electric applications. The material also resists corrosion to help players with high acidity and those that live in humid climates. This non-tarnishing material delivers an extra brilliant sound with a very long tone life

Wouldn't the theory about the bronze strings only apply to the wound strings? Seems like to me that the E and B (1&2) should be pleanty loud if the pickup is working properly.
Bob

Bob, you are right, but having only two strings ringing out leaves a relatively empty sound. Also, this pickup is still not the best. White Bronze by GHS or the Zebra strings by DR will be a substantial improvement.

I've always been under the impression that one should use heavier gauge strings on an acoustic (I don't know an acoustic guitar to say what strings should be used, but I would venture to use Elix'r .012 gauge). I usually think of the J-160E primarily as an acoustic guitar.

Now, I know that the P-90 is the electric pickup for the J-160E, but do modern versions have an acoustic pickup for it?

JakeK wrote:I've always been under the impression that one should use heavier gauge strings on an acoustic (I don't know an acoustic guitar to say what strings should be used, but I would venture to use Elix'r .012 gauge). I usually think of the J-160E primarily as an acoustic guitar.

Now, I know that the P-90 is the electric pickup for the J-160E, but do modern versions have an acoustic pickup for it?

Wrong impression, Jake...

Elixirs are way over rated and have become somewhat controversial. A lot of acoustic players think they kill sustain and are missing in sweeter overtones. I don't like them because they are relatively high in string tension, even in the .010 set. Elixir .012s? I couldn't imagine...it'd be like playing a cheese slicer.

jingle_jangle wrote:... Elixir .012s? I couldn't imagine...it'd be like playing a cheese slicer.

You should try the 0.013" through 0.056" Phosphor Bronze set I play on my Larrivee! You can't beat the tone though.

JakeK wrote:...Now, I know that the P-90 is the electric pickup for the J-160E, but do modern versions have an acoustic pickup for it?

Not that I know of, just the P-90.

jingle_jangle wrote:Elixirs are way over rated and have become somewhat controversial. A lot of acoustic players think they kill sustain and are missing in sweeter overtones. I don't like them because they are relatively high in string tension, even in the .010 set. Elixir .012s? I couldn't imagine...it'd be like playing a cheese slicer.

Like OLD Pyramid .012's?

jingle_jangle wrote:Elixirs are way over rated and have become somewhat controversial. A lot of acoustic players think they kill sustain and are missing in sweeter overtones. I don't like them because they are relatively high in string tension, even in the .010 set. Elixir .012s? I couldn't imagine...it'd be like playing a cheese slicer.

Sounds like they're using polywebs and not nanowebs.

The nanowebs are better than the polys, thinner coating, more natural overtones. The polys are said to be designed to sound broken in, fresh out of the pack.

ken_j wrote:...

JakeK wrote:...Now, I know that the P-90 is the electric pickup for the J-160E, but do modern versions have an acoustic pickup for it?

Not that I know of, just the P-90.

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