Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

There have been a number comments on this Forum over the past several years from guitarists attempting to capture the "McGuinn Sound." This is based on many factors including the electronic effects used by Roger McGuinn at any given time and the guitar and amplifier combination.

McGuinn first used an external pedal and eventually incorporated a circuit onboard as well. He used an external box, a rack mounted arrangement, a guitar with an onboard arrangement of his own and a factory installed circuit. Today he uses a POD! All of these arrangements enabled him to capture a sound that most consider to be synonymous with his first two albums.

What are the fundamental differences between the original McGuinn onboard circuit and the later version installed at the factory? Further, did the 370/12RM series use a circuit that differed from the first factory installed onboard circuit?
Did Roger move to the POD for the sake of convenience? For those of you who have heard him live, does the POD do the trick?

Lastly, what compressors are enthusiasts using today to replicate the McGuinn sound. I have tried several, and in the end, the closest I have come is using two BOSS CS-3 Compressor/Sustain pedals together with a 300 Series 12 string through a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier.

This is a part of Rickenbacker history that still remains a bit of a mystery. I would love to hear others' comments.

I hope that this question sustains your interest.

Here is a glimpse underneath the hood, courtesy of John Derry.

Roger's only on-board circuit, other than the one we designed as used on the limited edition, was simply a Vox treble booster placed in the guitar. That was fairly short lived, I understand. He used various outboard pedals outside of the studio, according to him, never quite catching the same sound as used in the studio, two back to back tube compressors.

Thanks John. Did RIC also design or install an earlier circuit (perhaps this is the Vox Treble Booster Circuit of which you speak) that was also incorporated in the 325 that McGuinn had at some point?

No, he did the Vox booster thing himself. Henry and I serviced this guitar once and I have to say I was amazed at the twisted wire connections and electrical tape!

Peter, the last time I was in the studio. I ran through two tube compressors, and an old Dyna Comp. Came pretty close to Mcguinn's sound. The studio that I recorded at is in Tampa Florida, it's called Hit Makers. Roger recorded there a few times in the early 90's. Live I use a Keeley compressor. Great compressor!

Hey, No way - I'm from Tampa and I've recorded at Hit Makers. I believe it was in the early 90's as well. I was only 17 and it was my band's first 7". You know, that's when you still put out demos on vinyl. Don't recall running into Roger though. Great studio. You from Tampa Paul?

I think I've mentioned this in a previous thread or two, and I know this is blasphemy to some, but I don't use any compression with my 660/12TPs or my 370/12v64 yet still hit that sound, at least accurately enough for other musicians to say "wow, that sounds just like the recording".

Spencer, I lived in Clearwater from 1988 to 1998. I was in a band called The Lears. We also had 7" records(still love them).I moved to Orlando in 1998. Spencer,what band were you in?

Well, I must agree with Gary. Until now, I only had a 330/6, but I tried to recreate the 1965 Byrds ´sound and some of the 12 string sound that can be heard in 'A Hard Day´s Night' album. And I get it, just with the guitar control and the treble of my 'Vox Cambridge 30 RT' at the maximum. I´m very interested in the sound the early Pete Townshend got in 1965. He got a ringing and powerful sound out of his Rickenbacker six strings, and that is quite easy to recreate with just a 330/6 with high gains and a 'Vox'.

Paul, I was in Idle Rood. Um, circa 88'-92'.
Kind of Joy Division/Cure mope rock stuff.
Did we ever have a show together? Them days is hazy.

Gary wrote

I know this is blasphemy

Not at all Gary. I agree completely. You can certanly get the jangle with the Rickenbacker 12 string and a good amplifier. A compressor or two (grin) just adds a different texture.

Sorry to stray off the thread guys, I was initially attracted to this one because of the dizzying array of electronic stuff in that 370.
Holy ****. Scary.
I once knew a kid that mounted a Boss delay pedal to his tele with plumbers tape and a couple of screws.

Most of the time I'm playing clean through my Fender Twin Reverb. I only use the compressor to add that extra sustain.

Hey guys and gals, I just got an Aphex Punch Factory. What a great compressor! Very clean and does it's thing without strange artifacts. Also very easy to use.