Robben Ford Discussion

Bill · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 12:18 pm Post subject: Variac

Hi all. New to this. Lots of good info.
I have seen a Variac in some pic's of Robben's equipment. Does anyone know how is it being used?
As to my signature; A long time ago while lusting over some vintage guitar, my bass player (who has been around the block a few times) told me "If it's not coming from your heart, it doesnt matter what guitar your playing. It's just a bunch of wire and wood." I think about that every time I want to buy something new and it's saved me a lot of money.
Bill Cooper
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"I'ts just a bunch of wire and wood"

Buffaloe · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 3:26 pm Post subject:

There is an optimum input voltage at which Robben's rig sounds its best. The variac allows for compensation of low or high input voltage so the correct voltage always reaches the amp.
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Ham Fisted Bloozer

Daved · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 3:48 pm Post subject:

Correct, Toneslasher! I try to keep his rig at 125 volts. After experimentation, I find that less than that and the tone "brown's out" to Robben's ears. More than that really seems to make little difference.
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( }:-Daved
"This boy's diseased with rhythm!" -Bing Crosby (Road To Rio, '49)

Aeolian · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 5:34 pm Post subject:

Hmm, 125 seems on the high side of nominal. The Dumble schematics I have don't show any regulation so the amp would be sensitive to input voltage. It would seem that this much input voltage would "stiffen up" the amp. A perfectly reasonable thing to do, especially given Robben's incredibly dynamic style. Not sure if the trade off in lowering the current through the output tubes and transformer compensates for the increased plate voltages, but at this level probably no real harm done. I'm sure Dumble would have complained if Robben and Daved were putting the amp at risk. We all know about the Eddie Van Halen stunt of undervoltaging his amps to loosen them up, and the price paid in output transformers for folks who have tried this on their own.
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Bill · Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 3:41 pm Post subject:

Interesting idea. Is it just for the amp or all effects as well?
Thanks for the reply
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"I'ts just a bunch of wire and wood"

Buffaloe · Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 4:45 pm Post subject:

My guess is that it's only for the amp. The effects are solid state, and would have regulated power supplies. The amp is designed to operate on a specific voltage, which when everything is tuned just right, has its optimal sound. The most critical operating parameter is the power tube bias voltage, which is downstream of the input voltage. Having been around Robben a couple of times, and hearing him make statements about how he doesn't want the sound to change (one of the reasons he likes the tone and volume controls disconnected on his guitar-so he can't accidentally bump one of them while playing and have everything change) I can see how his very critical ear wants the amp to run at the prescribed voltages all the time. The input voltage, if varied from "perfect", will cause a change in the bias voltage. A colder bias voltage will tend to make an amp sound a little sterile, and a warmer voltage will make it a little "greasy." When you're playing as many different venues as Robben does, you want to start with a known constant of "this is where the amp will sound its best (input voltage), now I adjust the tone stack for the room." By using the variac to assure that the input voltage is always correct, you have one less variable to achieving your sound in ever changing locations.
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Ham Fisted Bloozer

nineacres · Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 4:01 am Post subject:

Buffaloe · Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 6:27 am Post subject:

I know he has used a volume pedal in the past. The Les Paul he's currently playing has the tone and volume controls connected as of last Saturday. I don't know that he disconnects them on all of his guitars. Maybe Daved can chime in on this.
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Ham Fisted Bloozer

Aeolian · Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 8:20 am Post subject:

Buffaloe · Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 5:12 pm Post subject:

Bill Morgan · Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 3:29 am Post subject:

Michael · Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 2:09 pm Post subject:

Aeolian:

On Garth's recommendation, I had my old ES335 recently done - now I'm able to blend both pick ups - my ears says the results are fantastic - for my money this is far better than always on or always off.

The wiring is a bit tricky. If I'm not mistaken, Garth had someone in the Bay who did the word on his Fender. Mine was done at Hidden Valley Guitars in Scott's Flat just up the hill from Nevada City - by Steve Bagwell. With a phone call, I'm sure he could share with you how it was wired and what parts were used. Steve's a great guy.

The best to you!

Bill · Posted: Sun May 30, 2004 12:08 pm Post subject: Variac

I thought of doing the blend thing on my Tele a few years ago, you guys have renewed my interest. Its a 73 with Joe Barden pickups.
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"I'ts just a bunch of wire and wood"

Bluelobster · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 3:02 pm Post subject: spamming

sorry for spamming, but hey i played qith robben :
deja blues bad juju
http://www.soundclick.com/genres/ChartsNew.cfm?Genre=Blues

tonemaster2_11 · Member Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 37

Daved- Who was Bing refering to? I love that scene with Sinatra from High Society. Takes me back. Has Robben ever considered putting the band in tuxedoes? :-)