Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I am finding that the high gains on my 330/12 have almost too much output.

How do toasters compare to the High gains?
Any info appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve.

I asked this same question on the Rick ng and the various answers all generally pointed to the following.
Those who like Ricks distorted ala Smithereens/Jam etc prefer HiGains while the Beatles / Byrds traditionalists go for toasters.
It seems to me that the HiGains have perhaps a more 'harsh' sound than the relative 'warmth' of the toasters.

Comparing records by the above artists will probably provide the best answer you could hope for.

I am trying to be as general as possible because this would seem to be a very passionate subject for some people. IMO, the question will never be answered thoroughly due to their being so many variations in the toaster pups, especially back in the days before computer controlled winding.

Has this been any help?

Thanks for the help Charlie.
I think toasters maybe more the sound I'm after.

My 330 has hi-gains, but I think my dream 360-12 will have toasters, gotta get that sound.

chas

My 360/12v64 has toasters and my 370/12 has hi-gains.

I agree that the hi-gains are hotter. I'm not sure that I agree re: Beatle vs Byrds since the Byrd sound was so highly compressed. I'm not sure that after running through a compressor you notice the difference. I don't, but my ears are shot these days anyway (I'm lucky that I can still hear the difference between a humbucker and a single-coil)

I'm thinking of changing the piclups in my 360
from Hi Gain to the Vintage if this is done how
does it effect the sound and what setting do you
change on your amp. I'm playing thru a Vox AD120VT which has a lot of different sounds.
If i went thru a different amp like Fender twin
reverb or a MESA boogie how would set up be. I
believe that the amp also has a lot to do with
the sound. Raider