More information about Ranger needed

[Jacob Chodes]

I played one and it exceeded my expectations, but I have a few questions about it. I played a Ranger Pro with a rosewood fretboard, and I'm wondering how much this actually affects the sound (in comparison to one with just maple). The only reason I would be concerned about this is because the neck pickup seemed very bassy, possibly more than I would want. I played through a Princeton reverb, clean and with a distortion pedal. The other pickup sounds were perfect, but I don't know if this one would do what I wanted, which is have a very full sound that I can add treble to for a smooth lead sound. But I don't want it to be too mushy. Then again the other pickups sounded perfect, so who knows what the trade off is. The store I played it at only had a Ranger with a rosewood fretboard, so I have to take people's word for now at least. Also, I read that the location of the neck pickup is important, something about nodes and phase. What is there about this guitar in terms of that, and is it comparable to any familiar guitars? Thanks alot for reading this, I was really, really impressed with the Ranger and I hope to get one as soon as possible.

[John Williams]

Hey there,just a few comments about your experience:firstly,maybe the pickup was a little to close to the strings.(sometimes backing it off a bit helps)Secondly,the amplifier you played through is not known for its clarity with a high output pickup such as the one in the neck position of the Ranger.They are a low power amplifier,and most 10'' speakers do not do a guitar like this any justice.(depends on type of speaker,and age)Thirdly,I don't believe that a maple board would brighten the guitar up enough to make a dramatic difference.It does affect the overall sound,but with hand wound,high output pickups I think you would be hard pressed to hear the difference especially played through an amp with no headroom like a Princeton Reverb.The higher this amp is turned the more bass and growl it will reproduce,however the higher output amplifiers have more headroom before they start to become muddy,and break up.Maybe a return visit to your local Robin dealer,and a second shot at the
Ranger with a bigger amp will change your tune a bit about the tone of the neck pickup.Thanks for liking the guitar,and hopefully one will be in your hands soon.God bless,and so long.Joyful Noise Music(Bigjohn)

[Jacob Chodes]

Thanks alot for the help. It's amazing how many factors there are when you consider buying a guitar. When you say that a maple neck affects the overall sound, what specifically does it do? I read that rosewood gives a guitar a "looser bass" sound. The sound I am going for with the neck pickup is something within the range of what Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth gets for his lead sound, or remotely like that smooth lead sound from The Cars. (Lee actually takes old semi hollowbody tele humbuckers and puts them on his Jazzmaster!) Of course to get their sound I would have to use exactly what they did, but you know the ballpark, a thick lead sound with lots of distortion, really full but bright, and not in an ear shattering way. Anyway thanks again, whether or not I can get their sound exactly, this is a great guitar. I will try it out on a different amp. (Any recommendations?)

[Jacob Chodes]

One last thing. In terms of amps to try out, I am definitely going to get a small amp when the time comes. As small as possible, 10-15 watts, so I can turn it all the way up without causing hearing loss or mad neighbors. Any amps in this range that are recommended? I was thinking about the Jester Oahu, but it only has a 10" speaker.

[John Williams]

Hey,Jacob I don't know if the hardness of the maple has an effect over the relative softness of rosewood,but it sure makes a snappier twangier sound than most rosewood board guitars that I've played.I have noticed however that the only guitars that this is noticeable on are the good ones with solid tone woods,and very tight fit,and finish on them.You won't be able to tell much difference if you were playing anything under about $600.00.Also my idea of a well rounded 15 watt amp is the "Blues Jr.",on the mid priced budget,and the "Maz Jr.w/reverb"on the higher end.There are many to choose from out there,and budget is always a concern to any educated shopper,so choose carefully.I always make a habit of taking my own personal guitars when trying an amplifier,as to get familiar with how the amp responds with my equiptment.You'll never regret buying the Robin,however you may go through several small amps before nailing that sound you want.Take your time!Don't be rushed in to a "good deal"by an over eager superstore salesman.Seek out your favorite mom,and pop shop and pick away.Good luck,and God bless.