Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've been painting one of the bedrooms and I stuck on the Byrds Greatest Hits and the Beatles Revolver and played them several times and decided I've just got to get that 'sound'. What guitars will give me that lead sound like on "Feel a Whole Lot Better" and "My Back Pages" and "She Said, She Said". I know the Byrd and Beatle sound is a little different and that She Said, She Said is probably a 6 string but I want both sounds. Do any of the new issues have that sound? I can't afford vintage bucks I'm afraid.

Rob, the Byrds tone is very simple to get, but can get pricey. Any Rick 12 string should do the trick. McGuinn used a 370/12 but I can get it perfect with a 660/12. A toaster pickup in the bridge would help a lot but isn't totally necessary. And a Janglebox will bring it all home.

"She Said She Said" is probably a Casino, though i'm not sure of the amp used.

Geaorge Harrison used an SG Standard on Revolver a lot too. I believe that may be the lead guitar behind the "She Said, She Said" sound.
The nearest thing you'll get to the Harrison SG from current Gibson range is the 61 Reissue.

"She Said, She Said" is varispeeded, compressed, and EQd like mad. It is therfore not likely you'll be able to exactly recreate that tone for a live performance. I agree it's probably the SG.

I agree with John on the Byrds tone. Getting a sound is always more than just getting the right guitar. It happens all the way from the string to the speaker. I believe McGuinn recorded direct to tape on those recordings plugging directly in to a studio compressor (probably tube)and eq to taste. The Janglebox is designed to duplicate this sound. Toasters are definitely the way to go but they don't all sound the same. They made some higher output toasters through the years and I've played many. I had a 1980 340FG that I put 1990-ish toasters in and that guitar never sounded good, dark and dull. My CW 360 has got the sound, more so than any other I've had. If you can swing it, get the scatterwound type that comes standard in the CW model. They are sweet and chimey. If you're playing live, try a new Vox CC2 with celestion blues. String up with Pyramid medium flats. That dog will be barkin'. However, running a Janglebox into the Vox can produce unmanagable squealing since the amp naturally has so much high end sparkle. You'll spend some bucks, but not vintage bucks. Who needs money in "tone heaven"? That's my 2 cents and years of trial and error. Hope this helps a little.

Thanks for the info guys. It is very much appreciated. I feel like such a dumbass. I don't know why I've waited so long.
I'm not looking to duplicate exactly. Just very similar would do I guess. Just for personal enjoyment though....no live or anything. I'm probably years away from thinking about that If any ole 12 string and a Janglebox will get me close I'd be happy. I'll worry about the amp later...first things first ;^)
Anything I should definitely stay away from though?

BTW, looks like She Said, She Said is out of the question!