Robben Ford Discussion

Sonarguitar · Member Joined: 23 Nov 2003 Posts: 15

Daved,

In the photos of the red variac you're using I couldnt see if the readout is an LED display of meter. Can I assume meter?

Is it one of the 3 Amp Chinese models? If not 3 Amp, what amp rating do you use. (It looks a rather nice size).

And, finally, can you or do you trust the meter on that variac or do you read it out by separate meter?

Overall, would you recommend the one you use or do you have any other insight, warnings or advise to offer a variac buyer?

I'm interested in getting one for use in a converted barn where power gets a bit hinky at times (and, of course, venues and bar where power is ALWAYS suspect). I believe I'd be doing my old Fenders a favor by actually getting the power they want to see.

Thanks!

Daved · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 10:20 am Post subject:

S,

The Variac has a small meter installed, but I like to also use a larger display (easier to see from a distance), plug-in meter (available thru RadioShack), plugged into a multsocket adapter at the Variacs output along with the main feed to Robben's rig.

I recently replaced the old Variac, which was finally deteriorating after 5 years of heavy worldwide travel, use, & abuse, with a new one I picked up at Electronic City in North Hollywood. I have seen them in black, but I like the "Danger! Trons!" red color, myself.

Though they do make both larger and smaller models, I use a 5 amp model with 3 pin, grounded, plug and socket. Less than 10 lbs., it is easy to transport in my small workbox, Lassie, with a minimum of weight issue when traveling, while still providing plenty of power. I run ONLY, but ALL, of Robben's rig, FX, and pedals thru it and it has held up well. It blows its fuse, from wear & usage, about once every 18 months, but that is easily replaced.

Robben has loved his from the very first show I used one on and actually gets panicky these days if he doesn't see it in use.
Remember, tho, it does not automatically correct so you have to keep an eye on it and manually adjust when ocassionally necessary.
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( }:-Daved
"This boy's diseased with rhythm!" -Bing Crosby (Road To Rio, '49)

BudFarmer · Member Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Far Out

Please help me understand. What is the advantage of a Variac over a power conditioner?

Thanks, Question

Aeolian · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:38 am Post subject:

In the middle of this thread http://dhenderson.com/online-discussion/RobbenFord/viewtopic.php?t=1272&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 there's a whole bunch of discussion about Variacs, conditioners and filters.
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Aeolian · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:45 am Post subject: Blowing fuses

Daved, fuses should not "wear out", but your comment about them blowing every 18 months or so, makes me think of the stage senario.

What happens when Robben's rig goes off in the middle of a song? I'd bet his first reaction is to turn around and look at you. But what steps do you run though to figure out if the amp fuse has blown, the Variac fuse, the FX has cut out, or whatever? Those of us who don't have the benefit of your quick reactions at stage right, could learn from what an experienced guy does when the world goes dark. Rather than just look at the rest of the band and shrug.
_________________
There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com

Daved · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 1:59 pm Post subject: Re: Blowing fuses

midc74 · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:09 pm Post subject:

That seems very logical to me.. I've never thought of it that way.

Thanks for the excellent analogy Daved.

I've been wanting to get a variac myself for some time. I'm also interested in biasing my own amps, so it looks like I might be doing some research on 'scopes too. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Patrick