Havent been able to get over to the practice space and test this thing on my halfstack due to a family emergency, but maybe in a few days.
Just as well, though, as its given me time to plan my next move if I dont like the sound. The only question mark in my mind is whether I want to match the cap value of the Varitone setting I like on my Mockingbird, and how to wire that into this comparatively simple circuit. But who knows, maybe I wont have to go there.
Hey Rev, hope all is well with the family.
I'd see how it sounds how it's wired up now and if you don't like it have a tinker. I'm sure wiring guru Weirdy can help you out with an alternative wiring diagram
Current Builds and status
scratch end grain pine tele - first clear coat on !
JBA-4 - assembled - final tweaks
Telemonster double scale tele - finish tobacco burst on body and sand neck
Completed builds
scratch oak.rose gum Jazzmaster - assembled needs setup
MK-2 Mosrite - assembled - play in
Ash tele with Baritone neck - neck pup wiring tweaks and play in
Its funny, when I got the Bird, I was dubious about that varitone switch. A lot of online commentary was negative. But there are two settings on it that are quite useful and a third that comes in handy when recording. Not about to put a Varitone on the MK-2, but I'm not against using the best cap on it if needed.
You can always use a push/pull pot for the tone so you can switch between two different caps.
Scott.
Tested on my Mesa head. The minihum performed about as expected without too much squeal. Bridge single was definitely anemic though. Going to try some adjustments before scrapping the pickup.
Weirdy, the problem is that the Varitone is always on. That cap isnt connected to a pot. The output just runs thru it. Think I can just connect it at the volume pots middle lug for same effect?
Yep, you can do something like that. Or, have a push/pull that gives you a normal tone when down and just your varitone cap of choice (no pot) when up.
Scott.
Ooh, thats a good idea. Regular output on one side of switch and the capped on the other.
Tested it at practice. Kit pickups are definitely weaker than my usual ones, but the overall sound isnt bad.
Wanted to grab a quick vid to show you guys, but one member was absent. Anyway, aside from pickup gain, I didnt notice a lot of issues. Thinking about filing some of the bridge notches a bit deeper so I can flatten the neck a little more.
One unexpected issue was that the clear coat on the side of the neck tended to reflect a lot of glare under the lights in the practice space. That made me mess up a few times, so I may have to mark the frets a little more distinctly if it happens under venue lighting (unlikely, but it would be good to have a plan).
Last edited by Rev; 08-06-2017 at 12:06 PM.
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