Compressor

jaybyrd · Post by **jaybyrd** » Tue May 22, 2001 5:25 pm

While waiting somewhat patiently for the arrival of my new 340/12, I spend much of my time reading evaluations and testimonials from Rick players. They all seem pretty encouraging except for a couple that stated the 12 string models must be played with a compressor or you can't get that classic Rick jangle. I was hoping to get the Rick sound without any effects pedals. Any comments?

ted_williams · Post by **ted_williams** » Tue May 22, 2001 5:54 pm

Without a doubt, much of "the sound" is the guitar itself. Many will say you have to have the vintage pickups as well, although I've found the high gains to be more versatile, providing the jangle with a bit of EQ, but also crunching quite nicely when distorted. Amp selection also can make quite an impact. Again, the EQ comes into play heavily here. Different manufacturer's strings can make a difference in the tone, but I've been able to get the jangle with all sorts of sets. What compression can get you is better sustain at lower volume. You may find that the volume you need to get the sustain you are looking for may cause your hollow-body to feed back. Or it may be wonderful. It's completely subjective, and actual mileage may vary.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Wed May 23, 2001 1:58 am

Ted brings up some interesting points....EQ plays a big part, even more so in the 'modern' world (there wasn't near as much EQ control of a live situation in the '60's as there is in the present day)..Early on, compression helped level out the signal ouput of an instrument (and still does)--point being that your attack and sustain is equal and sets better in a mix; I use it ALL the time when I play bass, which is 98.9% of the time. You dont have spikes in the intensity of your playing.
Compressing your signal is only one way...as far as reproducing the Byrds Rickenbacker sound, it is the most authentic since that is what was done by Roger McGuinn.....and I'm with Ted--you gotta have the right guitar.

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Wed May 23, 2001 4:53 pm

I just purchased today a small Vox Cambridge 15 practice amp to compliment my 1966 335. WOW. This is simply a very basic amp that doesn't really compare to the better, more expensive or vintage Vox amps, but my Rick has never sounded better. I just never had a good amp. The closest I ever came was a Roland Jazz Chorus I borrowed for a while. I will probably get some effects for it -- maybe some compression and reverb, but this little amp alone (for under $200) , basic as it is, makes my Rick sing better than it ever has. The Rick sound finally came out!

grsnovi · Post by **grsnovi** » Sun Jun 10, 2001 4:38 pm

I suppose it depends what "specific" sound you're looking for. I just restrucg the 360/12 with RIC strings and it certainly "sounds" different than when it had 8's on it (which clearly were put on there someplace along the way as thats what was on it when I got it new - perhaps it had been in stock long enough that it needed restringing?).

It also sounds "different" through a clean tube amp than it does through headphones coming out of the POD Pro with a touch of compression on it.

G

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Mon Jun 11, 2001 12:58 pm

Are there any sound files that demonstrate a clean sound with added compression only? I am considering buying a compression pedal, and just haven't had a chance to sit down and try one. Like others, I've heard that it does add to the sound.

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Wed Nov 14, 2001 12:58 pm

I am now very happy with my Visual Sound Route 66 foot pedal. It has an overdrive switch and a compression switch. It sounds great. However, wouldn't it be cool if RIC offered their own compressor pedal that had the same circuitry as the one inside the McGuinn model? This shouldn't upset purists, because only a McGuinn model would sound like a McGuinn, but it would be nice to have "authentic" Byrds-like compression available to add to other guitars.

firefly · Post by **firefly** » Fri Nov 16, 2001 9:46 pm

Too bad the SSI compander chip that was likely
used by RIC is now out of production.
They work okay, but there are far better
circuits out there than the one in the
370/12 RM. If someone was planning to do
this, don't forget the Treble Booster on the
front end the compressor.....without it, you
are only halfway there.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Sat Nov 17, 2001 7:33 pm

You'd better look at that circuit's schematic a bit more, Mark.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Sun Nov 18, 2001 4:17 am

Mark; are you saying that Rick didn't use the treble boost in the RM,or that if you are Building one, you should incorporate it?

firefly · Post by **firefly** » Wed Dec 05, 2001 8:05 pm

Don and John,

What I meant was - if you want to get that
really stinging scream that a Rick 12 is
capable of, AND you choose to use an EXTERNAL
compressor, it is not super critical, but it
is something to consider to incorporate the
treble booster between the guitar and
the compressor.

On the RM, it isn't necessary, as T.B. is
already part of the circuit. The circuit RIC
used in the RM model DOES have a high pass
filter in it, which was incorporated in
between the first and second gain stages of
the chip that RIC used. If it wasn't an SSI
chip, John, I apologize, but the circuit
diagrams look extremely close if not exact
from what I remember of the two. The RM uses
a much different external circuit than the
"test case" circuit that SSI listed in their
data sheets so I may be all wet on the chips
being the same. Too bad the original chip
RIC used, and the SSI chips are BOTH no longer
in production. I made up a circuit with the SSI,
and tested it with my 370/12, and it HAS the
"MOJO" if you get my drift...... I doubt anyone
could tell too much difference between the
circuit in the RM and mine. The SSI chip
also has the same extra gain stage in the front
end, to which I also made do the "treble boost" mod with the same filtering as was done
on the RM.

The bottom line - It's going to be hard
to duplicate the "RM sound" for the masses if
the parts to make one aren't available
anymore.

rickplayer · Post by **rickplayer** » Thu Dec 06, 2001 8:15 am

There is a great RIC 12 sound on Andrew Golds MP3 site. http://artists.mp3s.com/artist_song/107/107940.html . Does he nail the Byrds or what. Two different sounds, the rhythm track and then the solo. VERY cool.

Jon

corey · Post by **corey** » Thu Dec 06, 2001 1:16 pm

He's got the McGuinnisms down cold, to be sure.

firefly · Post by **firefly** » Sun Dec 16, 2001 12:56 pm

Andrew Gold has been in the recording
industry for a pile of years. I think
he did that scorching lead solo in the
bridge of "When Will I Be Loved", that Linda
Ronstadt covered in the 70's. He is also
no stranger to Rickenbacker 12 string
guitars. He sounds more like Petty than
McGuinn with the vocals I think.

jaybyrd · Post by **jaybyrd** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 12:34 pm

I recently purchased another Rick. I traded my 330/12 jg for a 330/12 mg with vintage pickups. With my first Rick, I just couldn't get "the sound" at all. Now I am most pleased. After a great setup job by a luthier here in town, and after purchasing one of those Route 66 compressor pedals, I am very excited about the sound I can produce through my Fender Ultimate Chorus Amp. It may not be authentic RM or GH, but it's Rick enough for me. Now my main problem is finding a good stopping place when I take a few minutes to "tune it up"!