Rick-O-Sound Output Jack and the R.O.S. Kit
Rickenbacker's
deluxe instruments are equipped with two output jacks. One jack is used with a
standard cord, and is simply for normal mono use. The other jack is a
Rick-O-Sound effects output, designed for use with a stereo equipped amplifier
or with a Rick-O-Sound kit. These two output jacks should never be used at the
same time.
Rick-O-Sound can be used to produce special effects and
multi-channel output when used with a stereo amplifier, a dual channel
amplifier, or two separate amplifiers. Additionally, Rick-O-Sound can produce
many other special effects with the use of external effects devices. Different
external effects may be run through each amplifier or channel, producing many
unique tonal variations.
Plug the Rick-O-Sound kit cable into the Rick-O-Sound output
jack on the instrument. Then, plug one standard mono cable into each of the two
sides of the Rick-O-Sound kit box. Run each of the two lines into either:
Two separate amplifiers, or each channel of a dual channel
amplifier.
Rick-O-Sound provides a choice between three different types
of effects at one time. With the pickup selector on the bass pickup,
Rick-O-Sound puts out a lush and full bass sound. With the pickup selector in
the middle position, a beautiful blend of highs and lows can be achieved, much
like a clean chorus effect. The tonal separation is particularly good when using
two amplifiers. With the pickup selector in the treble position, Rick-O-Sound
produces a bright and full ringing lead tone. An example set-up might have a
soft, full jazz sound with plenty of reverb at the bass setting in the amplifier
or channel one, a loud and distorted heavy rock sound at the treble position in
the amplifier or channel two, and a big pop rock stereo chorus type sound as a
combination of the two in the middle position using both amplifiers or channels.
Experiment with the endless unique stereo variations which Rick-O-Sound can
produce. The results are surprising.
Special Note: Rick-O-Sound is designed to be used optimally
only with the equipment described above. Use of the Rick-O-Sound jack with other
equipment, such as a stereo Y-cord, may result in an significant loss in treble
or undesired hum.
Rickenbacker Vintage Pickups
I am now stocking the Rickenbacker line of Vintage Pickups. I believe
that original vintage pickups are usually not very good. In fact I think that
people who go out and pay $500.00 or more dollars for old Vintage Gibson PAF
Pickups are nuts.
Why, you ask?
Pickup magnetism fades exponentially. About 20 years after a pickup is
manufactured it begins to lose it's original strength. Each year after that it
fades a little more. I believe that a pickup that is 30 years old may be
capable of putting out a little more than half of it's original intended output.
Some of these prized PAF pickups are 40 to almost 50 years old.
Rickenbacker has successfully recaptured all the tone, nuances and flavor
of their original models from the 60's, I will be making them available to all
customers who wish to have them installed. Please contact me regarding this
when you are considering a Rickenbacker purchase.
Ed Roman - 01/10/2002
