Who can tell me what the third pot on... Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Edit Profile

Ibanez Collectors World » Hollow & Semi-Hollow Body Guitars » Who can tell me what the third pot on a Howard Roberts actually does ?? « Previous Next »

Author Message
Hollowbody
Username: Hollowbody

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 7:34 am:   

Hello outthere

Who can tell me what the function of this third pot actuallly is and how does it work in the cuircuitry of the guitar?

Thankx

HoBo
Regg
Username: Regg

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 5:04 pm:   

I'm new to the forum, and just got one of these (H765413), like yesterday in fact. I've seen some Google discussions from several years ago trying to figure this out, with some suggestions that one of the pots is a variable bleed capacitor for the volume control, or some sort of graduated coil splitter, or a sweeping mid cut using a henrey choke (a what?) and a capacitor. Someone else mentioned (referring to the Electra HR) that midrange controls require active electronics and that IF the other tone control on the Electra was for midrange, it would only do so by attentuating the treble. That is, it would not actually boost the midrange as it is not "active". Supposedly, the Gibson version had a true mid-range control. It was also noted that the capacitor on the 2nd tone control is indeed larger than the cap on the other tone control, but only one tone control makes alot of difference. The other one makes little difference.

I was attempting to record the HR direct to my RME soundcard yesterday, using a Tech 21 Trademark 10. Through my headphones, I rolled down the two tone knobs, which left things on the muddy side (bassy). I tried rolling up the tone knob furthest from the volume first, and admittedly didn't hear much difference. The center knob seemed to push the mids up, and the end knob seemed to bring more clarity to the top end. I only have them up at around 2 or 3 right now, which is right at the point where the sound is affected. I don't think there is any effect on bass respnose. Technically I could not describe what's going on in the circuitry, but the tone is pretty nice. A little tweaking on the preamp, a little 'verb, and you're good to go.
Hollowbody
Username: Hollowbody

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 5:55 pm:   

Thanks Regg

I am fairly new to this forum as well.
Few weeks ago I bought my first Ibanez Hollowbody a '77 HR
Sounds great (on a Roland 120 Jazzchorus)but this third pot is still puzzeling me
Fully open it sounds very full and warm and loud
In the middle and down position it sounds very thin and trebbley and it seems to me that it is splitting the coil.
I will get out the electronics anyway and will check how it is wired.
The PU should have 4 wirers otherwise it cannot be split?

Regards,

HoBo
Regg
Username: Regg

Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 11:05 pm:   

Let us know what you find HoBo.

I'm also wondering if it's typical for the electronics to respond differently to different amps. It's seems to respond differently to my '70s Vibrolux (as opposed to the Tech 21)--which sounds great but is a little harder to distinguish tone variances but rather an overall change in volume output (I think). I prefer to hear it with everything fully open on the Fender amp.

Regards,
Regg

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:




Thank you for supporting Ibanez Collectors Forum. Please help your favorite Ibanez guitar site as we endeavor to bring you the latest information about Ibanez custom vintage electric and acoustic guitars. Here you can discuss ibanez, guitars, ibanez guitars, basses, acoustics, acoustic, mandolins, electric guitar, electric bass, amplifiers, effect pedals, tuners, picks, pickups.