Gibson RD Artist Switching??

FlatEric · February 13, 2012, 12:09:42 PM

I'm almost certain that someone will be able to help with this.

When I first had my RD, the switches need a quick squirt - nothing major,
just to sweeten things up.
I found there was a "Sweet" spot on the mode switch, that made the
whole thing a lot more interesting.
The back position, I don't bother with, to be honest - compressed lower powered
on the neck and tinny on the bridge - both together, alright but I dont use that.

Mid position, fine - treble boost fine but there is an "inbetween", just before the
switch goes all the way.
So good, that for a day or two I set the switching to that selection, using a piece
of card, so no harm was done.
As I have been thinking about selling it, I have been using it again and over the weekend
couldn't resist trying it again.
I have played another Artist and a couple of Std's but never another Artist against mine.

So. . . . on the MODE switch, could someone point out which contacts should make/break
in the 3 positions - just so I can check.
I have to admit that engaging the "Supercharger" mode makes me think I should hang onto it.

Don't get me wrong, I have always been more than happy with the way it is/came to me and
always cuts through very well when gigging but I would like to see how yours is wired - Jules.
Uwe and anyone else.

Stands back and waits for deluge of replies/pics/sketches of what makes/breaks!!
Don't confuse me with a wiring diagram!!!!!

Cheers,

neepheid · February 13, 2012, 04:17:18 PM

I don't think I can help you, as I suspect you're talking about the three way Moog switch. I have a late 1979 RD Artist with the separate mini toggles for comp/exp and bright. Sorry!

warriorbass05 · February 13, 2012, 05:21:47 PM

mine is stock...I am not quite clear on the question...

FlatEric · February 15, 2012, 05:38:48 AM

Quote from: warriorbass05 on February 13, 2012, 05:21:47 PM
mine is stock...I am not quite clear on the question...

Excellent.

I will get a couple of shots to show you what I mean.

Will come back to you later.

Cheers.

FlatEric · February 15, 2012, 10:22:47 AM

Mode Switch

CENTRE

BACK - COMP/EXP

FORWARD - BRIGHT

JUST BEFORE IT MAKES CONTACT ON "FORWARD" THERE IS A POINT WHERE
BOTH CONTACTS ARE OPEN - THIS IS OVERDRIVE!!

Hi.

These are the best shots I can get, at the mo'.

X = Contact O = Open (no contact)

Can you have a look at yours and see if yours is as mine.

Look forward to your reply.

Cheers.

Edit:

Got this off Jules' site and it seems to show (to an electrical Muppet) that 8 moves
away from 7 and when the switch is pushed over, makes contact with 9, like mine does,
if I have read it correctly!

The "Supercharged" section is when 8 moves away from 7 and doesn't make contact with
9 - in other words "8" is on it's own.

Rehearsal tonight - Going for Supercharged - will report back.

Cheers.

Highlander · February 16, 2012, 01:17:26 PM

I "FIXED" mine years back - they are still sitting on the shelf in the shed...

warriorbass05 · February 17, 2012, 08:35:49 PM

I will have to take mine apart to see if it is the same

FlatEric · February 24, 2012, 05:20:36 AM

Ok, here we go!

Played my RD last night, for about 2 1/2 hrs, with the switch set to my
new "Hot" setting, by putting a simple cardboard spacer inbetween, so
contact can't be made with the far right contact and enjoyed a great night.

I have no idea what part of the circuit is doing what but it is a very interesting
addition to an already interesting bass.
No pops, crackles, no smell of burning (

) and using that battery that has been
in there for well over a year.

Anyone who has got an RD, fancy a go??

Any boffins who can explain what I have found?

Any input, would be great to hear from you.

Cheers.