PlayJazzGuitar.com Forum

[Al]

Hi there! I`m just arrived here, and my english is like metal played with a ES 175... so, be patient, please!

I`ve just bought a Ibanez PM20, the first Pat Methny signature model. I`ve a peavy classic 30, too.
Jazz guitar + tube`s amp = feedback.

So i`d like to know if does exists something to cover the f-cuts in guitar`s body: i`m thinking about something like the acustic guitar`s "hole-cover" (i don`t know the english name).

I ask this because i prefer do not use scotch to cover the f-cuts.

Thanks (and sorry)!!

Al

[alfonso]

Al,
Are you thinking of covering your "f holes", on your guitar to prevent feedback? I've heard of putting foam rubber inside the guitar itself, like maybe shoving it in the "f holes", I don't know how that would work as I've never tried it but, what I did do was tweaked the amp I was using at medium volume just to try to get the cleanest, clearest tone possible, that means you might have to give up some volume, maybe alot. It only took me about 20 minutes I had to get the owner's manual on the amp, do a little reading, and adjust. I've heard of a couple different ways to cover your f-holes, duct tape, I'm not kidding, I wouldn't do it but people try alot of different things or shoving cotton inside the guitar. I know you want to do something that really works so, I can only suggest one thing. I believe you can take it to a professional or do it yourself, you pull out the pickup and re-coil or re-wind it, now you have to know what you're doing, and after that's done a small amount of wax or similar material would be put on the pick-up. I'm sure you could find information on the technique and I'm sure someone who reads this will respond in a more correct and professional manner, as I'm not sure about all that is involved in the process... good luck.

[Al]

Hi! Thank you for your reply!

No, i don`t wanna put anything in my guitar`s body. I`m only looking for something work like the round rubber`s cover that i use in my acustic guitar.
The first owner of this guitar (my friend) had double re-wind the (only) pickup: i know that this way is the best for the quality of tone, and i know that quality of tone means much more harmonics too, and much more harmincs means much more feedback... but i`m not sure.

I`ve try a lot af equalizing in my amps, but nothing prevent feedback, especially when i play with my band (8 people = big noise!).

So, i`ve seen a lot of people using ribbon on the f-holes, and i know that is a must. But i don`t want use it, and i`d like to know if there is something like this

http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/FBR2.htm

but in a "f" mode!

Thanks!

Al

[chordspinner]

I think the PM20 is a shallow arch top, right? I've found that anything you do to cover the f-holes or stuff into the guitar wind up making it sound like a solid body guitar. In other words, you lose the reason for going to an arch top in the first place....nice woody mellow tone. (I even saw a guy inflate a small beach ball inside his hollow body....it worked for cutting the feedback but sounded like hell.)
Two things you might try: put your amp 'way behind you on the stand...like 10+ feet....then try turning it at different angles to get rid of the standing waves that are causing the feedback...probably from low drums or the bass player.
The other: there are several manufactures of pickups that replace the top of an archtop bridge, that have a piezo-electric transducer built right in. (I think Barcus-Berry is one.) It's a little thinner, kind of plastic sound but it can be mixed with your regular pickup and can sound pretty good loud. It will probably take a pretty good guitar tech to install it though.
Keep on pickin'
_________________
Chordspinner

"You're either at the gig or waiting to go to the gig."

[Guest]

Hi Chordspinner! Thank you for your reply!

Yes, PM20 is a shallow body archtop.
So, you are tell me that cover the f-holes, make a sound like a solid body. But there are a lot of jazz-guitarist that use to cover the holes, and their sound looks cool!

However, i`ll try to use your first option. There is only one thing: feedback appear when i`m alone at loud volume, too, only in specify notes on 4D, 5A, 6E strings.

I`ve understand that cover the f-holes it`s not the best way: i`ll try to test yours advices! Thanks a lot!!

Al

[gtrplyr335]

You are gonna love what I am about to share with you on the topic of feedback from your archtop guitar. I own an Eastman 16" arctop (that I love BTW) and when I first got it I thought I had made a huge mistake due to the problem with feedback. At home the guitar was fine. But when I played witha drummer and bassist, the darn thing would howl at me from all sides.
I did a search on the web and came up with a company called Luxlogs.com
They offer something called a guitar bra. This is a sheet of PVC static cling material that is clear. You cut it to slightly bigger then the f-holes... place it over the holes and it clings to the guitar...no adhesives... (think sticker on your windshield when you get an oil change.) It not only stops the feedback, but I use a full 9" x 11" sheet on the back of the guitar to help with buckle rash. This can be used over and over again. You just can't leave it on the guitar when you aren't using it. They don't want the PVC to damage the guitar finish.
I'm telling you that with the f-holes covered with this stuff, I can get at least 1/2 again as loud with no feedback at all. For $10.00 a sheet, it's worth a try. If you would like to email me feel free to... [email protected]. I will be glad to answer any questions I can. I'd also like to hear from other Eastman owners. I think it's a great guitar for the price. Good luck !