new Byrds Janglebox

[soul-o]

http://janglebox.com/jangle_jb2byrds.htm

I'm having this! I really like my original Janglebox- sounds spot on with my Rick 12 string, but also works very well with my Gretsch and my teles.

[vjf1968]

Originally Posted by soul-o

http://janglebox.com/jangle_jb2byrds.htm

I'm having this! I really like my original Janglebox- sounds spot on with my Rick 12 string, but also works very well with my Gretsch and my teles.

$325.00? Didn't Whirlwind have the ByrdBox which is pretty much the same thing?

[Telesavalis]

Love my first gen janglebox...use it at every gig...its Byrdy enuff for me.

[zombiwoof]

Originally Posted by vjf1968

$325.00? Didn't Whirlwind have the ByrdBox which is pretty much the same thing?

I was pretty interested in the Whirlwind Byrdbox when it first came out, but then I noticed it doesn't seem to have an attack control, which I think is a very useful control on any comp pedal. Generally, the comps I have tried that don't have an attack adjustment seem more limited in function, as the preset attack is often too slow for me and the sound "pumps" at higher compression settings (the DynaComp-type pedals come to mind). With an attack knob you can get more variety in sounds IMO.

Al

[soul-o]

The price definitely gave me a bit of trepidation, but it has more features than the original jangle box and that one has really served me well. A couple of friends have already offered me $150 for my original, so it's not too bad.

[Bongocaster]

What am I not getting here? What does a compressor thingy have to do with Roger M's 12 string sound. Years ago, when I had my Vox Phantom 12, (which was plenty jangly for me) I never ever stood there and thought "Hmm If just had a fancy expensive compressor this would sound just right."

[vanguard]

Originally Posted by Bongocaster

What am I not getting here? What does a compressor thingy have to do with Roger M's 12 string sound. Years ago, when I had my Vox Phantom 12, (which was plenty jangly for me) I never ever stood there and thought "Hmm If just had a fancy expensive compressor this would sound just right."

compression is a pretty crucial part of the classic 12 sound; roger had one built into his ric back in the 60's. it just tames all those different strings and overtones into a manageable "beam" that sits in a mix very well.

you absolutely do NOT need a $300+ compressor to get that sound though. grab a used boss CS-2, maxon CP-101 or MXR custom comp and you'll get all the great compression you'll ever need.

[vjf1968]

Ok. When The Byrds recorded at Columbia studios during the 60's (original line up) the order of the day was to compress the guitars. The engineer heard how loud the band played because instead of using small wattage amps they were using Bandmaster and Showman heads going into 2/12 cabs or a 15 cab at full volume. He decided to compress the guitar signal again. Keep in mind we are talking old school optical compressors like Pultech or URIE.

The double compression and the 12 string were a perfect match, and easily replicated with just about any compressor and someone who knew how to use it. The Beatles did it with "If I Needed Someone" the Beach Boys did it with "Girl Don't Tell Me" and the list goes on.

I think that McGuinn had the idea for the built in compressor during the later period Byrds. Red Rhodes already built a compressor for Nokie Edwards of the Ventures back in 65 as either a pedal or a plug in module like the Jordan Boss Tone. I assume McGuinn wanted to get that compressed tone before the guitar output so having the circuit built in made life easier.

The other thing that nobody seems to mention is that McGuinn always played with his fingers or finger picks. Basically he took his days of playing banjo and adapted it to the 12 string. His playing technique is a bigger part of that sound, the compressor adds to the articulation but then any compressor can do that.

I have played a Dano 12 string through an Ampeg Jet 2 using a block logo MXR Dyna Comp. Got the Byrds sound after a few adjustments.

If you already own a compressor with an attack knob the only thing you really need is a EQ pedal.

[Bongocaster]

Thanks for the explanations everybody. I don't have the Phantom 12 (or any 12 string) any more and it's probably the only previously owned guitar that I actually miss. I did have a compressor back then (80s) but I eventually quit using it. I don't remember using it on the 12.

[Telesavalis]

I was reading an interview with Roger McGuinn just yesterday...he said he was using two jangle boxes on his Ric these days, and taking a DI from the boxes direct to the mixer. He likes the double compression. His amps, back in the Byrds days, were a duo of Fender Super Reverbs.

[lareplus]

I have read interviews where McGuinn said that he plugged his Ric directly into the board when recording with the Byrds.

Also I have read and seen him using a Twin Reverb in 1969 and later he said he liked playing through a JC120.

Just shows that trying new things, constantly tweaking and learning, is a good. . .actually a great thing!

[Don Miller]

Yeah I understand McGuinn did go direct, at least on the earlier stuff...and the dual compressors were in the signal chain. He also had a box he made out of an old transistor radio...Mcguinns parts were often double tracked as well to thicken then up a bit.

Clarence White also went direct...his guitar part on "Tulsa County Blue"...one of the finest examples of how to play a stringbender IMHO...was direct...

Ive got a first generation janglebox that I use with my 370-12...it easily nails that "Live at the Fillmore" tone...I havent found a place for it on my pedalboard...Im using a LPB-1 for a clean boost, and Im not playing my Ric live (yet), and dont really have room on the board at the moment....