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"Byrds" mod
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 7:48 am
by brian
There is a site on the internet that sells a couple of "Byrds" pickguard mods, one with a VOX treble booster. Has anyone tried one of these and if so how did it affect the guitar sound ? (I assume they are created for a 370/12 only)
Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 4:57 pm
by rick12dr
I have a treble booster[not installed in my Rick],
and my reaction is this; Do you like the thought of icepicks going into your brain?Mind you, I like a bright snappy Rick 12 as much or more than the next guy, but the T boost is sheer overkill.
I use Fender Twins, and, say, you have the Twin set to like around 3. Well, kick in the T boost, and the volume[and attendant squealing and shreiking] seems the equivalent to the Twin now on like 6 or 7.Ever heard the Byrd live set from Monterey? Especially, listen to "Rock and Roll Star". The piercing leads there are pure Treble booster.NOT compressor.Pure vintage live 60s McGuinn.IMO, the T boost should be used with discretion, to say the least.But an interesting device for sure.FWIW, Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane is the person who turned McGuinn on to the thing.
Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 6:02 am
by scoobster28
What is the website?
Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:50 am
by doctorwho
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 5:17 am
by scoobster28
Interesting stuff. Thanks. Would love to get a 325 Byrd, but that is a different beast!
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 9:44 am
by admin
Don: I agree, that a Treble Booster can push things right over the top and them some.
Having said that, however, the overall sound is achieved by the complete chain of instrument-booster-amplifier and given the right combination my experience is that it can result in a great sound.
Make no mistake about it, however, be prepared for some feedback and ear-drum piercing notes during the adjustment phase.
Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:06 am
by doctorwho
Peter siad:
... be prepared for some feedback and ear-drum piercing notes during the adjustment phase ...
I'm finding that out with my Vox AD120VTH!
Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 7:57 pm
by sir_andrew_of_left_coast
I e-mailed the Tonewerks-guy about the Byrds pickguard/booster a while back... he wrote that the booster he installs has a trim pot adjustment on it (I don't know if the originals did or not)... which, I imagine, would enable you to ease-up on the "ear fatigue" a little.
I've heard the 325 Byrd... OUCH!
Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 7:47 am
by rick12dr
Though I never installed the T boost in my '67 370-12, I considered that If I did, I might make the "master volume"[which is redundant, since there Are 3 separate volumes anyway, and I personally don't fiddle with pots much at all] into the "trim pot" for the T boost.Just another idea...
Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:57 am
by admin
And a good idea at that, Don.