Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Thanks, Noel

might do!

What kind of sound are you looking for? What pickups are in your Ric?

Without getting too technical, I am looking for versitility in sound.... the 60's Brit sound, 90's pop music ie. Smashmouth. I also like the "twangy tele sound" with a bit of growl when cranked. I know my Ric will not sound like a tele, but the right type amp might give it some versitility. MY 330 F/G has toaster pickups (re-issue) and I use medium Pyramid flatwound strings. Have never had intonation problems.

Hi Gary,

For a small practice amp, you can't beat a 60's Fender Vibrochamp/Champ. Chimes with Rickenbackers, spanks with Fenders and growls with Gibsons all due to the pick-up differences at volumes that won't kill you. It's my secret weapon for recording. Just make sure it's biased right. For gigs, I don't mind breaking my back using an older Matchless Chieftain 2x12. Sound guys wet themselves when they mike it up. I think I have boosted the Depends market in my own small way. Just go so place and play a bunch and you'll know when you find it.

Thanx, Steve
I plan to check out the music stores and pawn shops later this week. Surely I'll run across a Vibro Champ. It's been so humid here I'm hesitant to take my Ricky outdoors, but the only way to audition an amp is w/ the primary guitar.
Kinda wish I still had my tele...bet it would sound killer in this amp, too!
Do you think a blackface Vibro is preferred over the later silverface?

"Do you think a blackface Vibro is preferred over the later silverface?"

Without a doubt!

Well, the time has come.... Tomorrow I'll pack my 330 vp/fg to music stores and plug into what I hope will be an awesome tone experience.
Headed to the store where I bought my first tele and Takamine (the two which I traded for my Ric) along with an undisclosed amount of cash which my wife doesn't know about.
Store owner is cool and besides, I've spent plenty bucks there for stings, my son's amp and guitar, drum practice pad,a Martin pickup...etc.
I'll concentrate on Fender tubes first, then maybe venture into Line 6 modelers. We'll see. What it comes down to is "whatever sounds blows my skirt up"
NOTE: (NOT a cross-dresser)

Good luck, Gary! I'm considering a new Fender Hot Rod Deville 410 at the moment - lovely, punchy, clean amp and sounds better than the 212 in my opinion.

The other one I'm considering is a Roland JC-120 (if I can find one).

I look forward to hearing (reading?) the result of your 'awesome adventure'!

Hi, Howard,
After some research, I too have considered a Roland Jazz Chorus amp. They manufacture a 90 watt amp as well, I believe it boasts 2-10" speakers and retails for around $549.
It just might fit the bill as far as Rickenbacker is concerned. Would sound great w/ any Casino, Dot, or any other jazzbox plugged in, too! Why not check out the Roland Cube 30 and 60 as well. They are s/s modelers, but include a setting that immulates classic Vox tones to the T I've heard.

If you can't afford one of the Fenders, look at the Peavey Classic 30. Match it with a closed backed 112E extension speaker and you can come close to the tweed Fender sound without spending an arm and a leg and all the worries of gigging it. The amps run around $250 and the extensions go for $150 or a little more. They're built like tanks, too.

Hey, Pat,
Tell me where I can get a Peavey Classic 30 for $250 and I'll buy 2 or 3! I thought those thangs usually run a little over 500 bucks. I would love to have one and wouldn't mind shelling out an x-tra $150 for a cab. I love the tube sound.
thanks, Gary

Hi Gary,

I've already got a Cube 30 and 2 FS-5U foot switches as well as a Korg AX1500G effects unit (which has an AC30 setting as well) and it's not a bad little combination. The JC-120 will cost me only a few dollars more than the Fender. The foot switches will go fine with the JC-120. I'm also looking at a Vox Valvetronix ToneLab SE effects unit which I think will go well with the Roland.

Funny you should mention the Dot - I put a deposit on a brand new sunburst 335 Dot Reissue last Tuesday - I'll be picking it up at the end of next week and can't wait to try it out at home. Trying stuff out at music stores is a drag - too many distractions and rubber-necks!!

I reckon with my 330/6 and 660/12 (which both have vintage toasters), the 350 Liverpool I'm probably going to buy next week (hi-gains) and the 360/6 I've got on order (hi-gains also) I'll have a pretty complete set up!!

The only other thing to buy (music wise) is a decent but not huge bass amp for my new 4003. I might look at Roland in that area too (it's only for home/party use so I don't need much more than 250 or 300 watts).

Cheers and good luck again.

Howard

Hey Howard,
Check and see if you received my e-mail.

I have, Gary, and I've responded but it's bounced on me 3 times....

"<<< 554- AOL does not accept e-mail transactions from IP addresses which
<<< 554- generate complaints or transmit unsolicited bulk e-mail."

Beats me!! I'll try sending stand alone rather than as a reply. Hold the fort for a few minutes....

Nope!! Doesn't like me - same message. Got a pen and piece of paper?

I've got a couple of other email addresses so I'll try them when I get home tonight.

Cheers!