Sustainiac, Sustainer, Other

[ctoddrun]

Coverband boy here...


There are several songs that we play that feature feedback (guitar feedback) as part of the song.

We dont play at deafening volumes so getting the guitar to feedback on command has been a hit or miss (mostly miss) proposition.

How do you guys go about getting feedback, in a musical way, on command? Is it just blind luck combined with sheer volume (and proximity) or have you figured out a way to control it and use it at your discretion?


I've looked into the Fernandez unit, but it looks like I'd have to replace my pickups for that to work. It also appears to need additional routing...

I looked into the Sustainiac and that seemed to be the better option.


Tom?

Have you had any experience with either set up? Can you give a suggestion on the best way for me to get my Classic set up with one?

Thanks!

[tom]

don't have any experience with either. both seem pretty invasive for me. what about a gain pedal dimed. i've had pretty good luck with that and it's easy enough to try.

[mbrown3]

I find that using a Barber Launch Pad in the tube cooking manner helps with getting feedback (at least, it does for me). http://www.tpngear.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=169

[Devnor]

I recently picked up a 1997 Jackson PC1 with sustainer (Fernandes version).

Gotta tell you..that thing is addictive. Hit your note, activate the sustainer in fundemental mode then switch to harmonic mode a few seconds later. It's just like standing in front of a roaring stack.

It eats batteries like crazy. When switched off you get a neck pickup position but it doesnt sound that good. No way I'd give up the Anderson neck pup for that thing. But for recording and playing around at home it's hella-fun.

The new Stealth plus version looks like it doesnt need too much routing; unlike the Fernandes version). There's a stomp-box unit but its not practical with the headstock mounted acoustic driver and cablefest.

[crash]

I wasn't trying to accomplish what you want, but it happened anyway.

Recently, I threw Yellow Jackets in my amp to see if I liked it running EL84s instead of 6L6s. It definately gives it a different vibe.

Now, it feeds back much more quickly - I'm guessing that's because I have to run the amp turned up higher to get the same volume. And particularly, the octave feedback comes out much more quickly. Not sure what the harmonic content should be, but I assume it is related to the fact that the YJs run the EL84s in Class A. (Maybe?)

Either way, I just got them to see if i liked the vibe, and the feedback thing just sort of happened as well. I Don't know how anyone else feels about them, but I dug the vibe and the extra feedback was a cool added bonus.

[entraind]

You can also use a Ross-style compressor like a Keeley or Analogman to get infinite sustain...