So the guitar has coil-split GFS's, which you claim to have in at least three guitars (you said three had coil-split Nashvilles, anyway), but it's not completely hollow... That would maybe sorta kinda make it a Jet of some kind. We know you have an Electro double-cut with GFS Brooklyn pickups. As far as I know, though, the double-cuts are not semi-hollow.
Could it be an orange Yamaha semi-hollow? A Robelli?
Thanks again, commentators one and all.
Bernw said: Being a rhythm guitarist I don't utilise compression on stage, but only use it for recording...
If you don't squeeze too hard and completely duck the attack, compression can almost magically enhance rhythm playing! Something like the Barber or the BYOC, with a blend function, can preserve the attack for you and give you an overall more present, consistently punchy rhythm tone.
"Guitarist" magazine should sign you up to write the occasional article!
I think I'll harrass them to that effect.
wenzel: you should publish a gretsch book with an attached audio CD. I have almost given up on doing sound clips of stuff anymore since you have just about done everything there is to be done
I don't think my playing is representative enough of the styles most associated with Gretsch to be compelling to most Gretsch fans. I'm not in the Gretsch mainstream!
And surely you don't mean that bit about not posting clips! Who cares what I do? Your stuff is completely different just from the standpoint of your touch and tone; even if you played the "songs" I've played through the gear I've demo'ed, you would sound different and the results would be useful to people.
But you've demo'ed different guitars, different gear, used in different ways, not only with your own approach but on your own songs. That stands on its own, y'know.
The shootouts I've done aren't meant to be anything like the final word, not even on the gear I HAVE. And obviously there's more gear I don't have than gear I DO have. Remember my dirtbox shootout didn't have a Rat or a Muff... the compressor matchup lacks a Boss or a Keeley or a genuine old Ross.
The shootout sound clips start when I get curious about differences within a class of gear for my purposes; the idea of recording and posting the results just makes me take a more experimental approach. But the final clips just dammitalways sound like ME – and since everyone plays and sounds different, and get different results from the same gear when they play, everyone's clips contribute to our understanding of whatever's being demo'ed.
Post away, man.
I know how to use my compressors and if I had to recommend just one effect for a home studio, a compressor would be it. The trick is to compress to impress, not over compress.
Smart words, wenzel-san.
Mantis says about the Jangle Box: Around 2:00, where the overdriven sound starts, compare that part to some of the others. The JB makes it quite a bit thicker!
You're right – I hadn't listened to the clips yet. Guess I just didn't notice the thickening so much in the press of getting the project done. I believe I probably had more compression dialed in on the JB in both of its clips, possibly because my ears were fatigued at that point and I wanted to make sure the effects were audible.
Sometimes I think you're an undercover Gretsch guy, doing all that stuff on the GDP... Either that, or you MUST have a lot of free time and one VERY analytical, inquisitive and research minded brain...
Nope, undercover for neither Gretsch nor the GDP... free time SOMEtimes, usually stolen time... and I'll admit to having a religious fervor for the scientific method, which is about the most profound, "holiest" thing the human race has come up with. I certainly don't live by the scientific method, but it's the best method I know of to find the hard points in the swamp of subjective squish where most of our minds spend most of their time.
Ty says (about BYOC): Yeah, they have some crazy stuff. I've been eyeballing their Rat clone for quite a while, now. I even had the crazy notion of building their Rat, TS-808 and MXR Distortion+ circuits into one big uber-box, but I like to think I'm pretty honest with where my limits are, and that'd be way above my pay grade!
Is there a-soldering in your future, perhaps?
I've got my eye on their multi-Rat as well. Your omni-dirt concept is a good one, and if you don't want to tackle it yourself, there are guys (at least a couple of which who post right here) who could probably be induced to package it FOR you.
I won't be soldering up any pedals. I soldered like a fiend in previous lives, but my eyes, olefactory circuits, and patience now combine to make soldering unpleasant and to degrade my results. I'll farm it out.
seadevil is still working on the mystery of the guitar.
So the guitar has coil-split GFS's
Ah, split-coil, but not GFSs.
...but it's not completely hollow... Could it be an orange Yamaha semi-hollow? A Robelli?
Neither of those... my question was unfair, as it's a hybrid of a couple of unexpected and/or obscure (possibly discredited) guitars.
Maybe I'll dedicate a little thread to it.
I said: This shoot out was extremely timely for me. Thanks Proteus - you made my short list shorter!
And the verdict is?!?!
I couldn't choose between the Tone Press and the Janglebox. So I didn't. In the spirit of excess and the fool and his money I ended up with BOTH.
And I am supremely happy. 
Both pedals are subtle and near transparent. As a compressor, I give the edge to the Tone Press for the unique blending control. It is the best to my ears. That said, the understated chime and ring the Janglebox added to my sound palette is well worth the money and is irresitable to me. It is no slouch in the compressor department either.
FWIW, the Janglebox goes up in price after January 1, if anyone is sitting on the fence.
After this, I'm not sure if I should thank Proteus or start locking up my cash in a CD before I read his excellent comparisons.
Thanks Proteus, even if I did spend much more than I thought I would!
I know this is an old thread, but just wanted to let you know Proteus how valuable and useful this "shoot out" is. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. What an education I just got!
Doug
