Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Does anyone have any information on how to tell a 'type 1' lightshow from a 'type 2' lightshow. My understanding is that the 'type 2' is better from a heat perspective, but I'm unsure what I'm looking for... What is the difference?

Thanks in advance.

John, I think the lights on a type 1 are all in a row, whereas the type 2 pattern are staggered..

Jsm610, if you buy a 331, you'd better post a pic or three.

John Simmons is right, you can see the bulbs through the pickguards.

Um....lightshows....(Drool). Frankly, if you come across TWO and have to choose between them, buy them BOTH! (OR call me and let me buy the one you don't want!)

Ok - staggered lights. Thanks!

What else do you need to look for when getting a 331 - other than just verifing it works...? The standard guitar stuff I am aware of. I just don't understand what fails on these guitars - do you need to look at anything on the transformer for example? I assume if the back hasn't split from heat by now it won't?

Again, thanks in advance.

Here are the lights inside the upper bout of my 1970 331LS (Type 1):





Note that these are actually clear bulbs with a plastic cone over them.

If Kenny's reading this thread: see now what I meant by the Mylar "lining"?

AH yes.

"... if you buy a 331, you'd better post a pic or three. "

I still have questions:

- What kind of blubs can/should I put in?
- How much light should this throw off? Mine seems dim compared to what I expected... I may need a tune up.
- What does this other knob do? I get light one way, and no light all the other way, but not much difference inbetween.

The bulb #s are on the brass bases of the bulbs. If they just say "6V", take them to an electronics store to duplicate them. NOTE that the bulbs you buy will be clear. You must dip them in craft-store stained glass dye to tint them the proper color.

The "other" knob is a sensitivity control. It should work when you play the guitar and twiddle it.

BTW that one is a beauty!

Thanks Paul - I'll look at the bases.

Here's some video:
http://homepage.mac.com/john_minutaglio/iMovieTheater10.html

As I mentioned before, I expected more light. Can anyone compare this to their 331? The camera has a light on it, which is making the 331 a little less bright than it really is, but it is close. I'm not sure you'd even see the lights on a stage unless it was really dark... Is this right?

Ok - something is wrong...

http://homepage.mac.com/john_minutaglio/iMovieTheater11.html

Bright lights until 0:45, then it goes dim. Back @ 01:19, then dim again @ 02:04. Bright @ 03:30, then dim @ 04:06. When it is dim, the transformer box hums when the lights are on...

I'm thinking something is wrong with the transformer. Can anyone advise?

Here are some photos of the transformer. Maybe I could just get a new one of whatever that is? The paper wrap says 'Archer'...





Thanks in advance for any help!

I'm pretty sure 'Archer' is or has been a Radio Shack brand for their kit products and components, John. The transformer doesn't look like a professionally built one, but I could be wrong!

By the look of it, any 120V/60Hz AC to 12 or 13V/5 amp DC transformer will do the trick. However, IMO you should try and get the original input voltage and amp specs for the guitar before going ahead. That transformer may be putting out too much of either or both and that could possibly be the problem.

The connector at the guitar end may be another issue again.