Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Alright...I feel bad about this. If the next set of pickups I try in the RR don't work out, I think I might be sell and pick up an SL2H-MAH, or a Schecter C-1FR and a nice 7 string.

I just can't seem to find a tone I truely like out of this guitar; and had the same issue with my alder Dinky import. Between the two of them, I've tried JB's, DD's, Custom's, Invader's, 85's (giving this and an 81 another shot in the RR soon though), and 500T's. None of them have really given me a spectacular tone.

On the other hand, the JB, Custom, C5, and 85 have all given me great tones in my mahogany Schecter. Granted, the 85 sounds better than the others, I still could've lived with the rest.

Right now, and I still don't get this... the JB in the RR-1 sounds one dimensional and actually kind of dark and muddy compared to the 85 in my Schecter. I'm lost at how the RR-1 is darker; I'm running a JB with no tone pot (same with the 85, master volumes and switches all around).

The only thing I can think of is that maybe I just don't get along at all with alder, on a tonal level?

Also, and I really can't believe I'm about to say this, even though I've said the equivalent many times before...

My Schecter plays just as well as my RR-1. Could it be that I just got a really nice Schecter, or a bum Jackson, or both? Granted, they are different, but they both play equally well. With the Schecter sounding 10x better at the moment, it's getting 85% of the playing time. It's a shame, considering the cost difference. Actually, the Jacksons neck gets sticky feeling more often than the Schecters.

At this point, and assuming that the EMG's don't work out in the RR-1, I'm really leaning towards pickup up the C-1FR (as it's identical to my Schecter, just with an OFR), and a nice 7 string like the Viper 407, Hellraiser 7, or Blackjack 7.

Any idea's or advice?

 

[FretFire]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Don't feel bad about thinking the Schecter plays just as well, if not better. My Schecter is the one guitar I've had over the past 5-6 years throughout a cycle of other electrics, and it has played/sounded better than the majority of them. They just make great instruments for the money IMO.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Right, I have no doubts about them making amazing guitars for the money, but I paid 430 for it brand new. For it to play just as well and sound even better than a guitar I payed over twice more for USED is a strange concept for my mind to grasp for some reason.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Right, I have no doubts about them making amazing guitars for the money, but I paid 430 for it brand new. For it to play just as well and sound even better than a guitar I payed over twice more for USED is a strange concept for my mind to grasp for some reason.

Well, comfort and playability don't necessarily go hand in hand with price. I've played $200 Squier strats that have had great feeling necks, and I've played $1k Fender strats that I couldn't even stand to hold. Personal preference can be funky :laugh2:.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Hehe tell me about it...

I'm thinking there might be a definite upside to all of this. I love my Schecter to bits, but still need an axe with an OFR. Schecter makes this very thing, down to the same inlay and control scheme. On top of that, I could get the 7 string I've been wanting for a while, without having to wait till after X-mas. I know I wouldn't loose any on the RR-1 as far as value, and might actually gain something.

Only time, and a pickup swap, will tell.


I can only imagine what Zerb will think when he reads this :laugh2:

 

[ex-250]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

im not a big fan of alder.....out of my 5 electrics, 4 of em are mahogany (and whatever the next one is, itll be mahogany too). anyway, i kinda know what you mean about not beleiving your schecter plays just as well as your RR. as far as just the feel of the neck and ease of play and stuff, my LTD ex-351 is just as good as the explorer (though the ex is better than most of the guitars ive ever played, and obviously better sounding cause the duncans.....i definately think i got the cream of the crop for the ex-351's). but in my case, the high price one is still the best, cause the LTD has a terrible case of neck heaviness, and its really lightweight. the explorer on the other hand is perfectly balanced (i seriously mean perfect, nothing ive ever played hangs in a better position at least for how i play) and heavy as hell, two characteristics i value greatly (yes, i like very heavy guitars....it just feels better, and i can take the weight). its too bad that there arent any mahogany RR's or V's that have an OFR (at least to my knowledge). the Kevin Bond RR is all mahogany, but no floyd. so youre kinda outta luck on that. i, on the other hand, dont really like floyds, so the KB rhoads would be perfect for me :laugh2: actually, have you ever thought of doing a warmoth guitar? if you end up selling the RR (which i hope that if you do, you sell it for what most RR-1s go for used instead of a steal like you got it for), youd have plenty extra cash to build something exactly to your specs. while you said theres schecters with features you like, i gotta reccomend doing a warmoth just cause i dont think i could bear to see somebody sell a rhoads and replace it with a strat-shape guitar like one of those schecters....yeah im biased but rhoads are just so damn awesome and i dont really like strat shaped stuff :laugh2:


oh and the fact that you cant get the RR to sound as good as the schecter with EMGs might shut up some of the "EMGs sound the same in anything" people.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Well, it's no biggie if you actually like your Schecter better. It probably is a better one from the bunch, and the Jackson may not be as good. I've usually found that guitar prices affect mostly the consistency of the guitars level, if any. Buying a +1000$ guitar will probably be a good one, but there's no saying there couldn't come up a 300$ guitar that would be better.

If you have a chance to sell the RR for more than you put in it, and the thought of selling doen'st upset you, do it. But do look for other guitars than Schecter too, when you get your new axe.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Consider the idea that your Jackson is just not a good sounding specimen. Personally, I think it has less to do with the alder, and more to do with it's body shape and grade of wood used under that paint.

If you plugged 10 versions of your guitar into your amp, you may find that yours is one of the duds, compared to 2 or 3 that are resonant, alive, and toneful. I've found that with many guitars......and some broke my heart because they looked killer, played killer, but just fell flat in the tone dept......even with the best pickups. It happens.

I'll be honest, for humbuckers, I think light resonant mahogany with a maple cap has the very best tone.......which is why so many gravitate toward Gibson, PRS, Schecter, and other Jackson models. I think you should put the stock pups back in, sell it, and move on. There's no reason to get sentimental about it.....just get something new that has a better sound, and if that one isn't it, move onto something else.

 

[Pierre]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Are you sure your tone pot is 500K? Some USA Jacksons now come with 250K stock. Same, the capacitor could also be changed.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Consider the idea that your Jackson is just not a good sounding specimen. Personally, I think it has less to do with the alder, and more to do with it's body shape and grade of wood used under that paint.

If you plugged 10 versions of your guitar into your amp, you may find that yours is one of the duds, compared to 2 or 3 that are resonant, alive, and toneful. I've found that with many guitars......and some broke my heart because they looked killer, played killer, but just fell flat in the tone dept......even with the best pickups. It happens.

I'll be honest, for humbuckers, I think light resonant mahogany with a maple cap has the very best tone.......which is why so many gravitate toward Gibson, PRS, Schecter, and other Jackson models. I think you should put the stock pups back in, sell it, and move on. There's no reason to get sentimental about it.....just get something new that has a better sound, and if that one isn't it, move onto something else.

You know, I think you've hit the nail on the head, again, Joe! And it really does break my heart; this guitar is great in all other aspects. The stock pickups are in it right now, so I'm just going to re-wire it back to stock, and put it on the chopping block. My parents are going to think I'm insane. :laugh2:

Thinking about it though, My Schecter sounds better unplugged, too. The RR-1 doesn't resonate as much as the Schecter, and I always just chalked it up to the Floyd. Guess it's just a dud tonewise.

its too bad that there arent any mahogany RR's or V's that have an OFR (at least to my knowledge). the Kevin Bond RR is all mahogany, but no floyd. so youre kinda outta luck on that. i, on the other hand, dont really like floyds, so the KB rhoads would be perfect for me :laugh2: actually, have you ever thought of doing a warmoth guitar? if you end up selling the RR (which i hope that if you do, you sell it for what most RR-1s go for used instead of a steal like you got it for), youd have plenty extra cash to build something exactly to your specs. while you said theres schecters with features you like, i gotta reccomend doing a warmoth just cause i dont think i could bear to see somebody sell a rhoads and replace it with a strat-shape guitar like one of those schecters....yeah im biased but rhoads are just so damn awesome and i dont really like strat shaped stuff :laugh2:

You know, Warmoth would kick ass, if it wasn't bolt-on, and offered 24 fret necks (with a neck pickup intact). That kills it for me. I'm hoping that I can get at least 1100 out of my RR. I'd end up picking up the Viper 407 before the Floyded axe, and that would give me some time to evaluate other guitars. I still think I'd end up with the Schecter, though .

Are you sure your tone pot is 500K? Some USA Jacksons now come with 250K stock. Same, the capacitor could also be changed.

They actually are 250k pots, I just don't have them wired up right now, so that's irrelavent. I'm sure the volume is 500k though, I've measured it before.

 

[ranalli]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

That sucks. I don't know if you got a bum guitar or what. I had an RR1 and I thought the JB, Distortion, Custom in there were all too tinny and bright....well muddy on the *top* end.

Once I put a darker pickup in there(Super3), I lost the tinny top end and got more beef and definition in the bottom end actually.


Don't know if that would work in your case though.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Not every guitar is for every person. It is ok to be thinking about selling the RR1. It seems to have not worked out for you yet.

If it were me, I would try a Dimarzio SD, Super3, EVO, Megadrive, or Breed in it.

But, if you feel like you are wasting time or don't feel like dealing with the RR1 anymore, it is fine to move on.

In this situation, I always think there is one more step I need to make, one more mod that will be "that mod" that does it. Usually it doesn't. I can tell you that I have a combo amp that I bought used, that the previous owner couldn't get a good sound out of. It is dark at lower volumes. I did alot of research and changed the speaker to a V30. Still dark at low volumes. I changed the tubes, went to a brighter tube setup. Still no go. Changed tubes again. Still didn't do it. I was a bit lost at what to do. It was time to give up.

Well, I decided to go with one more speaker change. I moved away with what I like (British sound) and went with an American sounding bright speaker, an Eminence Screamin' Eagle. Well, that got the amp much closer. Now, I retubed again because of the speaker change. What do you know, it now sounds like a "lit" Marshall, but a bit smoother. It's a keeper now.

I think I would have always wondered if I should have gone further with this combo. But, one needs to make up their own mind. Sometimes we feel sick of dealing with something. That can effect your playing. Try not to let this happen, because your playing is the most important thing.

If it were me, I would try a Super 3 or Dimarzio Megadrive in it, but that would only be if you liked how the RR1 plays. If you are unhappy with how it plays, then move on. The only guitars worth spending time on are ones that play well to you.

You got a pretty good head on your shoulders DSS, especially for your age.

You'll make a good decision. Stop sweating it.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Ah, hey Ranalli. Sounds like the same thought.

At least it isn't a question about cleaning the snow off the top of your car, huh?


Inside joke, nothing to do with anyone on here.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

You know, I would try DiMarzio, but even after wanting to try them, I can't bring myself to pickup a set, because I really don't agree with their business practices. (different argument in itself).

The RR-1 plays great, but even acoustically it's kind of a dud. I'll give it a weeks time or so to think over everything, and then decide from there.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

How about putting it down for a month for a fresh reapproach?

Works great when you are trying to get over a hump playing, might work here.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

I'll try that out! Good idea. Maybe a bit less than a month though. I'm thinking a week or two. :laugh2:

If you can't tell, I really do have some serious GAS for that Viper 407.

 

[Watroba]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

I think Gearjoneser said it best, DSS.

Although I'll take a beating for saying this, the RR1 doesn't have merits for an excellent tone. When designing the body shape, it was merely decided based on looks (Rhoads drew it on a piece of paper) rather than tonal quality. I've also found that a huge factor in excellent tone is a guitar's neck. Recently I've fallen in love with PRS (just special ordered my CE22) and their Wide-Fat neck. I can't play those slim-taper "shredder" necks anymore, and it's just as much because of tonal difference as it is feel. Add the alder wood to the bunch, and you have an unbalanced, yet killer looking, guitar.

Being a newfound PRS fan, I'll have to vouch for Schecter. They've got a great, thicker carved neck, and great sounding guitars for very reasonable prices. If I wasn't shopping for a high-end guitar, I would have settled for Schecter without a doubt.

-Good luck on the selling and the hunting,

--Watroba

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

Thanks guys. Bump for a couple more opinions, Zerb in particular .

 

[big_black]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

You should buy my Edwards. It's got a JB and it sounds really awesome.

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: Could It Be That I Just Don't Like Alder? (Thinking About Replacing the RR-1)

GJ's post nailed things.

I'm afraid that the RR shape could be a major contributor to what's going on. When you look at it, there isn't much wood around the back of the bridge area.

I've never met a flying V of any type that sounded better than an equivalent full bodied guitar.