..just wanted to add that i am playing strats through a deluxe reverb ri and i keep the reverb around 3 all the time...looking to kick in some extra every now and then

In response to more emails and also due to my laziness, I'm just going to post the second part of the mod directions publically:

Here are more advanced mod instructions - this mod is most useful if you're using an outboard reverb tank. If you're sticking with the internal tank, it's probably not worth the trouble, as it seems to easily overload the smaller stock tank. It sounds great with an Accutronics 4AB3C1B tank though.

image

If you use an external tank, you can desolder the green and black wires running from the board to the internal tank, and solder in new wires from the board to two RCA jacks mounted on the side of the Spring King. You can then plug in RCA cables and run them to the external tank.

I forget what value cap I've got in there right now - I just know it's not as extreme as what I was using before. Remember, smaller cap = less bass going into the springs. If you find a couple of values you like, you can wire a cap in there and switch between the two.

I'm not responsible if you destroy your pedal - try at your own risk. This isn't an appropriate first DIY project due to the small size of the components.

http://www.reverbnation.com/thedeadranchhands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZEW74mHjQk

You know the geek in me thinks this is awesome that you figured out how to mod this pedal. I certainly appreciate the hacker ethic at work here.

On the other hand, the only mod I would do to such a pedal is run it over with my car. For surf music, nothing beats an outboard reverb tank. This perhaps cannot be appreciated by those who have never played through one (except if you are Canadian Mel). It will really blow you away. So if you are interested in surf music, don't spend a lot of time playing with pedals or modding them, just buy a reverb unit.

Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me

"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

What is Mel's deal with outboard reverb? Pardon my ignorance.

Hates his own particular unit? Or hates all units?

My wife is a Canadian. They can be an unruly bunch. Cough Zak Cough

Never once has she used anything remotely close to that word, haha.

UmaFloresta

Brian
You know the geek in me thinks this is awesome that you figured out how to mod this pedal. I certainly appreciate the hacker ethic at work here.

On the other hand, the only mod I would do to such a pedal is run it over with my car. For surf music, nothing beats an outboard reverb tank. This perhaps cannot be appreciated by those who have never played through one (except if you are Canadian Mel). It will really blow you away. So if you are interested in surf music, don't spend a lot of time playing with pedals or modding them, just buy a reverb unit.

I have no doubt this isn't as good as a Fender '63 Reverb. However, it is a good sounding reverb with the mods, and it makes a totally legit surf sound. Mine cost $50, and the extra parts for the mod cost maybe $3. Add another $30 for the 4AB3C1B tank.

I am working on a DIY solid state reverb, using the same tank, and some basic design principles from the Fender tube unit. Hopefully I'll actually finish it. I'm sticking my neck out a little, but I doubt the reason the Fender sounds so great has anything to do with tubes, but rather with the amount of current hitting those springs, and the tone shaping and clean/wet mix capabilities. I'm speaking out of partial ignorance, having never played the Fender, but when it comes to reverb, the actual signal being passed through the springs is always going to be severly degraded by the process anyway, no matter what you do. I think the main thing is to just make sure you hit the springs with enough current and the right eq to get that drip sound, and it shouldn't matter if you use tubes or op amps or a flux capacitor to do it.

Feel free to crank the flame throwers up to 11.

No flame from here. Not everyone is in a position to buy a good tank and this, while certainly a compromise, is a good compromise. Beyond that, it's ingenuity at its best. What's not to like?

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

It sounds pretty good to me.

synchro
No flame from here. Not everyone is in a position to buy a good tank and this, while certainly a compromise, is a good compromise. Beyond that, it's ingenuity at its best. What's not to like?

TwangOmatic
It sounds pretty good to me.

Thanks guys

http://www.reverbnation.com/thedeadranchhands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZEW74mHjQk