Reissue Dearmond RC1100 demo

**Hep To The Jive** · 07-29-2015, 05:22 PM

Hi, not the best demo by any stretch, just a quick one, recorded myself practicing. It's straight to computer, through audio interface and DI box, dry sound, no effects. I realized that I should've used at least a reverb, but too late.

I found very few demos of the reissue 1100, so if it helps someone to get an idea, I'm happy.

The guitar is all original 1961 Guild A50, laminate acoustic archtop.

Enjoy!

**pubylakeg** · 07-29-2015, 06:13 PM

What are your impressions of the pickup through a dedicated guitar combo ?

**wintermoon** · 07-29-2015, 06:15 PM

that sounds just like the old ones to my ear.

**rpguitar** · 07-29-2015, 08:03 PM

I haven't listened to this yet but I agree, wintermoon. As you know I have an original and I just got a reissue. They're as similar as any two pickups with the same brand/model can be. I'm impressed.

**2bornot2bop** · 07-29-2015, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by rpguitar

I haven't listened to this yet but I agree, wintermoon. As you know I have an original and I just got a reissue. They're as similar as any two pickups with the same brand/model can be. I'm impressed.

"similar" enough to now make you regret buying the original? Well, you couldn't have known the RI's were that close to coming out, I know.

**rpguitar** · 07-29-2015, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop

"similar" enough to now make you regret buying the original?

If I hadn't bought the original, I'd never know for sure how good the reissue was! It's all good. Can't go back in time or predict the future.

**Patrick2** · 07-29-2015, 09:30 PM

It is indeed helpful. Gives us a real time example of what the pup sounds like. I disagree that you should have used a bit of 'verb. Yeah . . it would have sounded better. But, without the 'verb, it gives a better and more accurate example of the pup's un-effected character. I hope FrankLearns tunes in to this. I just sent him one of the reissues. Couldn't decide which guitar to put it on. So, I didn't pup it on any.

It sounds great on the laminate pressed top in your demo. But, I'm curious what this might sound like on a thin carve solid X braced spruce top.?.? Makes me want to order another and put it on one of my 17" arch tops. But, these reissues will more than likely be around for a while. So, I can always make that decision "farther on down the road".

Who did the install for you? Looks like an impeccably neat job.

**2bornot2bop** · 07-29-2015, 09:51 PM

I wouldn't count on those prices "being around." Time to smoke 'em if you've got 'em....you remember that one I'm sure!

**Jehu** · 07-29-2015, 09:59 PM

Nice playing!

**Patrick2** · 07-29-2015, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop

I wouldn't count on those prices "being around." Time to smoke 'em if you've got 'em....you remember that one I'm sure!

Yeah . . . remember it all too well.

The thing is, I'm just not dissatisfied enough with the current KAs I have on my archies, to decide which one to change out. Still got a Benedetto S6, new in the box that I don't know what to do with. I'm afraid that if I do buy another reissue RC 1100, I'll still be undecided and it'll sit in perpetuity in its original packaging right next to the Bene S6. I'll probably just stand pat with what I've got. My arch tops with floaters sound great just the way they are. I'm hesitant to mess with the karma.

**Para** · 07-30-2015, 06:53 AM

Just bought one one should be here in a week be interesting to compare it with the RC100.

**Hep To The Jive** · 07-30-2015, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by pubylakeg

What are your impressions of the pickup through a dedicated guitar combo ?

Mostly I play through the ZT Lunchbox, it's the only one I own right now. Sounds good enough. But I played through different amps at jam sessions, and I really liked how it sounded through AER Compact 60.

**Hep To The Jive** · 07-30-2015, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Patrick2

It is indeed helpful. Gives us a real time example of what the pup sounds like. I disagree that you should have used a bit of 'verb. Yeah . . it would have sounded better. But, without the 'verb, it gives a better and more accurate example of the pup's un-effected character. I hope FrankLearns tunes in to this. I just sent him one of the reissues. Couldn't decide which guitar to put it on. So, I didn't pup it on any.

It sounds great on the laminate pressed top in your demo. But, I'm curious what this might sound like on a thin carve solid X braced spruce top.?.? Makes me want to order another and put it on one of my 17" arch tops. But, these reissues will more than likely be around for a while. So, I can always make that decision "farther on down the road".

Who did the install for you? Looks like an impeccably neat job.

Thank you! The install was done by Manuel Salvador, a very good tech/luthier here in NYC. Highly recommended!

**rpguitar** · 07-30-2015, 12:08 PM

This thread inspired me to install the Super 400 pickguard I bought, then notch it out and properly mount the Guild RC1100 with a volume knob. It had previously been wired directly to the output jack, wires just twisted together, as I scratched my head deciding what to do.

I had been playing the guitar with 80/20 bronze strings and it sounded very good amplified, but not quite the quintessential tone I was seeking. So I restrung with nickel rounds 12-52 and it's all there. Time to make it (semi) permanent now.

Pics/audio when complete, hopefully.

**Greentone** · 07-30-2015, 12:38 PM

Hey...that sure sounds like a DeArmond, to me. The single-string tone, in particular, has got it nailed. Now, I need to hear that pickup on a 25-1/2" scale guitar, too.

Thanks for the demo! Good playing, too.

**Doctor Jeff** · 07-30-2015, 12:49 PM

Nice playing, great sound!

I just received a DeArmond RC 1000 reissue yesterday--looking forward to installing it on my Harmony Brilliant Cutaway. I am waiting on a Schatten thumbwheel combo to install under the pickguard, and an endpin jack. I am a little hesitant to do anything invasive to the guitar--it is a nice vintage guitar but not super-collectable. But I figure I can live with the screw holes for the post and the endpin jack.

I don't have to cut a notch out of the pickguard--could make a copy--but could also move it over about 2mm.

The RC 1000 looks like a nice, solid piece of equipment--should go well with this guitar, which has nickel fittings.

**Para** · 07-30-2015, 01:01 PM

I've used Schatten thumbwheels they work very well, not easy to get the 250K ones any more, the only reservations I have with them is they are made by Alpha and they are not the best known for quality.

**wintermoon** · 07-30-2015, 01:07 PM

yeah RP, when you previously mentioned you were using it w/80/20's I was scratching my head a bit.
nickels are the way to go....

**rpguitar** · 07-30-2015, 01:49 PM

Yes, 'tis true, but this big old '47 S400 has always been an acoustic guitar to me. The DeArmonds do balance and sound great with bronze strings - they are even possibly the best option for true acoustic/electric use as a result.

But nickel is the shiz with this pickup, so I guess this guitar will become another electric option. I tend to prefer the 16" models for acoustic playing, and I never even toy with pickups on those.

**Max405** · 07-30-2015, 02:05 PM

Hep, I listened to this in the morning and then got buried in work. But I've been humming the melody and bopping all day long! 1st off, GREAT playing. Love it man. 2nd, your sound is fantastic. I've been critical of this type of pickup for its looks, but between you and some others that have posted demo's - you guys are quickly making me a convert! Absolutely great stuff. Sound is fantastic.
Thanks for sharing! Joe D.

Originally Posted by Hep To The Jive

Hi, not the best demo by any stretch, just a quick one, recorded myself practicing. It's straight to computer, through audio interface and DI box, dry sound, no effects. I realized that I should've used at least a reverb, but too late.

I found very few demos of the reissue 1100, so if it helps someone to get an idea, I'm happy.

The guitar is all original 1961 Guild A50, laminate acoustic archtop.

Enjoy!

**Hep To The Jive** · 07-30-2015, 03:56 PM

Thanks Joe, and others, for the compliments, I really appreciate it!

I did forget to mention that I use pure nickel round wound strings with this guitar, and all my archtops, actually. To be precise, the Pyramid brand. When I got this Guild, it was strung with bronze strings, but once I installed the Dearmond, I switched to nickel. I always thought that bronze strings are the loudest, but it's just not the case, I found out! Nickels are just as loud, and of course, better to use with the pickup.

**2bornot2bop** · 07-30-2015, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by rpguitar

This thread inspired me to install the Super 400 pickguard I bought, then notch it out and properly mount the Guild RC1100 with a volume knob. It had previously been wired directly to the output jack, wires just twisted together, as I scratched my head deciding what to do.

I had been playing the guitar with 80/20 bronze strings and it sounded very good amplified, but not quite the quintessential tone I was seeking. So I restrung with nickel rounds 12-52 and it's all there. Time to make it (semi) permanent now.

Pics/audio when complete, hopefully.

I can't wait to hear it. Maybe with the 1100 installed you'll be encouraged to play the S400 more?

Originally Posted by Greentone

Hey...that sure sounds like a DeArmond, to me. The single-string tone, in particular, has got it nailed. Now, I need to hear that pickup on a 25-1/2" scale guitar, too.

Thanks for the demo! Good playing, too.

The pickup in the OP's video sounds identical to the one on that 25.5 scale PE-190 I acquired a while back...and I've got TI 14 Bebop rounds on the guitar.

**backdrifter** · 07-31-2015, 11:07 AM

Thanks for posting this, it sounds great! I think I'm going to buy one to keep around, even though I don't have a current need for it.

As for strings, everyone likes something different. If you play 100% acoustic, I think phosphor bronze is really tough to beat. If you play 100% electric, I think nickel is really tough to beat. If you play a healthy mixture, you have to find a compromise that works for you.

I play more acoustic than electric, but like to plug in. The string imbalance with PB's on my Dearmond RC 1000 clone was significant, so I tried some others. My favorites, by far, have been Martin Tony Rice Monel strings. They keep the volume and approach the tonal beauty of good PB strings acoustically, but they also approach the warm and balanced sound of nickel strings when amplified. And as an added bonus, they seem to last quite a long time. Worth a try for anyone struggling to find a good compromise.

**Hep To The Jive** · 07-31-2015, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by backdrifter

Thanks for posting this, it sounds great! I think I'm going to buy one to keep around, even though I don't have a current need for it.

As for strings, everyone likes something different. If you play 100% acoustic, I think phosphor bronze is really tough to beat. If you play 100% electric, I think nickel is really tough to beat. If you play a healthy mixture, you have to find a compromise that works for you.

I play more acoustic than electric, but like to plug in. The string imbalance with PB's on my Dearmond RC 1000 clone was significant, so I tried some others. My favorites, by far, have been Martin Tony Rice Monel strings. They keep the volume and approach the tonal beauty of good PB strings acoustically, but they also approach the warm and balanced sound of nickel strings when amplified. And as an added bonus, they seem to last quite a long time. Worth a try for anyone struggling to find a good compromise.

Well, I forgot, I had GHS White Bronze strings on it for a while, that supposed to be the best of both worlds. I didn't really like the feel of it, so they went.

It's hard to use this Guild strictly as an acoustic, it's just not loud enough, but for some situation it's OK. When I do, I want the loudest the strings can provide, and I couldn't see the advantage of bronze over nickel in that department. Are they supposed to be better in some other aspects of acoustic sound?

**backdrifter** · 07-31-2015, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Hep To The Jive

I couldn't see the advantage of bronze over nickel in that department. Are they supposed to be better in some other aspects of acoustic sound?

"Better" is subjective, of course. I find that bronze strings add a dimension that nickel strings lack acoustically. They offer more ring, overtones, and zing. To my ear, nickel strings sound one-dimensional acoustically, and listening to phosphor bronze is like hearing something in 3D. I also think that nickel strings sound better amplified for that same reason. The nickel strings come through an amp as a great warm and focused sound. I think the subtle nuances of bronze strings make the amplified tone sound too "busy". Just my opinion, of course.

But, if you like both sides of it, I have found monel strings to be a great compromise. Much of the nuances of bronze acoustically, and much of the warmth and focus of nickel when amplified. At $7 a set, they're worth a try!