Onboard Mid Boost

[brownpants69]

Hi

Does anybody have any experience of on board mid boosts for guitar?

I'm planning on make up a SSS pick guard for my Silo Spec, with Dimarzio Areas and I think a mid boost would be cool to go with it.

Any ideas on what would be suitable- I've looked at the mid boost that comes on the clapton strat, but I'd have to get a pickguard made up with 3 knobs, or maybe I could hook it up to a dual concentric pot?

Ideas? Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks you
Mark

 

[brownpants69]

No takers?

Surely someone must have some experience with mid boosts?

I've had a trawl around on the net. Any idea about the stuff available from Rothstein guitars? There is an active mid boost (Fat Tuesday) and Mid presence control.

 

[Volt]

I put mine in a stomp box. That way I can boost the mids of whatever guitar I'm playing.

 

[WeeGee]

No takers?

Surely someone must have some experience with mid boosts?

I've had a trawl around on the net. Any idea about the stuff available from Rothstein guitars? There is an active mid boost (Fat Tuesday) and Mid presence control.

I've got one of the rothstein kits that I picked up from ebay and fitted to my silo special. I can't comment specifically on the mid boosts as I fitted a varitone. However, it's a great bit of kit and can recommend it. I fitted the additional pot onto a piezo pickguard see http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/36343-updated-my-silhouette.html#post578336 and let me know if you need any other info.

 

[brownpants69]

Using a piezo pickguard is a great idea! I'll look into that.

Now I've read up on the passive mid range control I might stick one in my ASS MM90 and replace the tone control.

Volt: Which Mid boost did you put in a stompbox? Was easy to put together?

 

[paulstew64]

I'v used mid boost circuit on EC strat for many years before I saw the light and switched (excuse the pun) to EBMM. I now use a Luke and don't miss my boost at all.

There is a company in UK - Rothwell Audio based in Bolton who have a hot little boost circuit connected to a tone knob (from memory). They also make amazing stomp boxes (currently used by Gary Moore). Check them out.

Nowadays for boost I use a Boss Eq pedal because it's so consistent. You can then shape the sound of your boost - it's like having another channel on your amp. But, if you're into metal then it's not for you.

Hope this helps. If you can't find Rothwell then PM me and I'll find their URL.

Best wishes

Paul
Radiance red Luke
Gassing for:
Luke BFR in tobacco sunburst
25th Anniversay
Al BFR (I'm not greedy really!)

 

[DrGonzo5150]

Nowadays for boost I use a Boss Eq pedal because it's so consistent. You can then shape the sound of your boost - it's like having another channel on your amp. But, if you're into metal then it's not for you.

Big +1
Boss EQ in the effects loop. It is amazing what you can do with it!

 

[Volt]

Volt: Which Mid boost did you put in a stompbox? Was easy to put together?

I installed an EMG SPC (mid-boost) control and an EMG 20db boost control into an old stomp box that I wasn't using. It is very versatile, and puts out loads of overdrive.
The mid-boost is great with single-coils and it gives humbuckers a big kick in horsepower.
The 20db boost is also a great overdrive, and I also use it to add more output to a couple guitars I have that have low output pickups.

 

[brownpants69]

Does that system work with passive pickups?

 

[Volt]

Yep. Most of my guitars use passive pickups, except my Luke of course.
The stomp box has a 9 volt battery to power the EMG-SPC and EMG-AB (20db boost) control circuits. Two SPDT and one SPST footswitch are required.

If anyone is interested, I could make up a schematic and post it. Would take me one or two days (or less) to draw one with my painting program.

EDIT: Made corrections

 

[brownpants69]

That would be great! I need a project to practice my soldering skills!

 

[ShaneV]

I agree with the stombox plan, something like the Seymour Duncan pickup booster (which can be flat or have a mid spike) or a good EQ, or rehoused onboard stuff like Volt suggested. Then you aren't tied into only using one guitar to get your sound.

 

[Volt]

The Voltator Effects Box....

 

[brownpants69]

Thats really cool. Thanks for that. I could even build the EXg control into it.

 

[RocketRalf]

Anyone tried/considered an EMG VMC (variable mid control)? It's listed as a bass accessory but they say it works for guitar too.

 

[brownpants69]

I hadn't even looked at that. That looks great with the sweepable mid. Hmmmm.... (mind working in overtime... careful now... call an ambulance)

I was also looking at the Rothstein Fat Tuesday, for the name if nothing else