Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

paologregorio wrote:

jingle_jangle wrote:OK, I'm not working on it.

Phew! That's a load off...

Obviously it would require some wiring leads being fished through the TR tunnel, and possible some slight hollowing out of the headstock under the TRC(but not to the extent that the headstock is weakened, of course) to make room for the LEDs under the TRC. How one would effectively execute this is another matter entirely!

Basically true, but the weakening of the headstock/neck joint is of major concern; if it wasn't, I'd have three LEDs in there...as it is, only two will find their way into this location.

Hollow truss rods and fibre optic cables...........make it work PW

jingle_jangle wrote:

paologregorio wrote:

jingle_jangle wrote:OK, I'm not working on it.

Phew! That's a load off...

Obviously it would require some wiring leads being fished through the TR tunnel, and possible some slight hollowing out of the headstock under the TRC(but not to the extent that the headstock is weakened, of course) to make room for the LEDs under the TRC. How one would effectively execute this is another matter entirely!

Basically true, but the weakening of the headstock/neck joint is of major concern; if it wasn't, I'd have three LEDs in there...as it is, only two will find their way into this location.

Two is plenty; I'm mean we don't want it looking too kitsch do we!!!!!

Gotta figure out how to do three...we need full-spectrum here...

Very very cool.

jingle_jangle wrote:Gotta figure out how to do three...we need full-spectrum here...

How about doubling the thickness of the TRC at its edges? the TRC would be twice as high/thick, but there would be some space between the TRC and the wood and you would have more clearance that way. Would it be enough for that third LED, and would the strings clear the TRC?

I don't gain any clearance by doubling the thickness, unless I hollow out the back...too much trouble/expense considering how many orders I have to build these right now. And string clearance could become an issue... The LEDS are only 5mm in diameter, and two will fit into the truss rod adjustment rout. If the route is extended an inch under the TRC, I have space for a third LED, and strength is not compromised too much.

I just picked up my 330 FG from John at Old Boise Guitar and it will be on it's way to Paul tomorrow.

I guess I'll be selling my 331's and buying 330's for you to convert Paul!

Har! Let's not be tooo ironic, Graham...

The prototype having been completed and tried out numerous times, improvements are already in the works. Already, there's a cool side-benefit of how this thing works...because my 330LS takes its signal from the amplifier (not the pickups of the guitar, as an original), it's possible to just hang it on the wall (or hold it and play it) and process another signal through it to activate the LEDs. So you can do what I did at a recent party, and plug the output from the stereo line out jack into the LS, and have a "Light Show" wall hanger. I've also run a line out from a keyboard and activated the LS from it. The possibilities are endless, as they say...

Newer models will have a selector switch on the transformer/switch box to select any one of the three colors (is your song a "blue" song? Select "blue only", etc.), or all three like a conventional LS. The light-up headstock has not been prototyped as yet, but if it's successful, it will be optional at additional cost.

I was just kidding. So is there a set price on a conversion from a donor 330?

8mileshigh wrote:I was just kidding. So is there a set price on a conversion from a donor 330?

Shoot. I was gonna offer you even trade for more modern technology...

Yes, there is a price. PM me for the good guy rate.

I was just reading this topic. There could be a solution to fitting three leds in the TRC. Paul, check out allelectronics.com. They have 3mm led lights available. They get them into N scale locomotives.

Thanks, Don. If they have the special colors I might. To my experience, 3mm hi-intensity LEDs in these colors are thin on the ground. And I so want everything to match! But--will do.

Just checked--they got 'em! Thanks for the tip, Don.