Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi. I've got a bit of a head-scratcher (for me at least).
I've had my 360/12 for about 18 months (it's a 2007 build), and have been merrily using it to record into Cubase and a bit of recreational playing in my studio. My problem is that I am now working with a drummer with a view to playing live, and when I play my Ric 12 after any other guitar, the sound is dull and a bit lifeless. Is this normal? Am I doing something wrong? - it just doesn't 'chime' or 'jangle' or any other characteristic Rickenbacker cliche.
I'm using my old Peavey Classic Chorus which is great for all my other guitars (including my 360/6) but as I say, there just doesn't seem to be any sparkle in my 12-string. Can anyone offer any suggestions as to why this is? The strings btw are pretty recent and always kept clean with FastFret.

1) Use plenty of high end
2) Cut bass
3) A decent compressor is a must!

Is it time for a string change? If my sound is getting dull, I know that's when I need to change my strings.

I have to completely re-EQ my set up to use a Ric. If you're just trying to plug in and go after using a guitar with high-output pickups, then it will probably sound a little flat, even when using hi-gains.

Thanks for the suggestions guys

melibreits wrote:Is it time for a string change? If my sound is getting dull, I know that's when I need to change my strings.

That's one possibility, but it sounds ok when plugged into Amplitube on the PC although I suppose that I am able to tailor the sound forthe Ric without necessarily having played any other guitar on those settings. Still I guess it's a rasonable excuse to change them anyway.

1) Use plenty of high end
2) Cut bass
3) A decent compressor is a must!

Check!

If you're just trying to plug in and go after using a guitar with high-output pickups, then it will probably sound a little flat, even when using hi-gains.

That's th problem- I don't really want to be fiddling with my amp every few minutes... at the moment I just want to use it on a Jefferson Airplane song (Let Me In), so I think I will have to experiment with boosting the signal possibly with a non-distorting overdrive; possibly stick a treble-bleed cap on the bridge pickup volume pot.

Which pickups do you have in the 360-12? The Hi-Gains are a little rounder-sounding than the toasters. I used to have a 381 with Hi-Gains that sounded dull until I replaced them with toasters--then I was able to get it to sound more like a Rickenbacker. A good compressor will help too--I've never tried one, but I hear good things about the JangleBox.

Mark - It wasn't until I got a compressor (from Diamond - great pedal BTW!), that the light bulb went on and I finally heard that classic Rickenbacker chime!

86kubicki wrote:Mark - It wasn't until I got a compressor (from Diamond - great pedal BTW!), that the light bulb went on and I finally heard that classic Rickenbacker chime!

Ditto! (same great pedal BTW). Gets that magic chime with a 360/12 and with a 660/12 (different pedal eq on each). Compressor pedal is the magic when using the Rick 12 with other guitars and not fiddling with the amp.

There are also some tuning tricks which are discussed at length in other posts. Such as having certain pairs slightly out of tune, such as the B's, little up and little down.

Thanks guys- I've tried Boss CS1 and CS2 and am now using a Marshall Edward. The Marshall is pretty good, but not sure how it would compare to one of your more esoteric brands!
I have started putting an overdive with no drive and boosted trebles after this which helps.