• From: Southampton, UK
  • Registered: 2011-09-06
  • Posts: 231

Topic: Rotosphere - too hot for humbuckers?!

Here's a question for Joe and anyone else using a Rotosphere with a LP.  Let me explain.  I'm finding my MK1 Rotosphere is running too hot/distorted when I use an LP and this is due (I think) to the fact I need to run the gain high to get the volume balance about right. 

The question then is this - have you needed to change out the stock valve or performed any other mods to clean-up the output?

Thanks in advance - David.

Gibson LP '89 Custom * Gibson LP '04 Classic * Gibson JB LP Studio * Fender 50th Ann. Deluxe Strat * Gibson Explorer Pro * Epiphone Korina SG * Michael Kelly Patriot Premium * Ibanez 105NT Artcore Custom * Takamine acoustics * Fender Blues Deville 4x10" * Marshall DSL100 and DSL50 * Marshall 1960A * Laney LH55 * Bugera V55HD * Bugera 212VT * Marshall 1912 * Roland Cube 60

Coolaxeman's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Rotosphere - too hot for humbuckers?!

Coolaxeman wrote:

Here's a question for Joe and anyone else using a Rotosphere with a LP.  Let me explain.  I'm finding my MK1 Rotosphere is running too hot/distorted when I use an LP and this is due (I think) to the fact I need to run the gain high to get the volume balance about right. 

The question then is this - have you needed to change out the stock valve or performed any other mods to clean-up the output?

Thanks in advance - David.

Hi Coolaxman
I had noise and all kinds of issues then I put it in the effects loop and all is great.
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: Southampton, UK
  • Registered: 2011-09-06
  • Posts: 231

Re: Rotosphere - too hot for humbuckers?!

cindyron wrote:
Coolaxeman wrote:

Here's a question for Joe and anyone else using a Rotosphere with a LP.  Let me explain.  I'm finding my MK1 Rotosphere is running too hot/distorted when I use an LP and this is due (I think) to the fact I need to run the gain high to get the volume balance about right. 

The question then is this - have you needed to change out the stock valve or performed any other mods to clean-up the output?

Thanks in advance - David.

Hi Coolaxman
I had noise and all kinds of issues then I put it in the effects loop and all is great.
Cheers Ron

Hey Ron - thanks for the quick reply.  However, I too place it through the FX loop (DSL100).  The FX chain also includes my Boss DD3, Boss RV5 and Boss TU2 by the way (could that be an issue?). 

And it's not noise - there's just too much drive in the unit and not enough clean headroom.  It does sound better when I use the LP bridge pup and a Strat/Tele sounds pretty much OK.  I think it's not so much a problem with the unit as such - it's more about setting it up so that humbuckers don't drive it so hard perhaps?

Gibson LP '89 Custom * Gibson LP '04 Classic * Gibson JB LP Studio * Fender 50th Ann. Deluxe Strat * Gibson Explorer Pro * Epiphone Korina SG * Michael Kelly Patriot Premium * Ibanez 105NT Artcore Custom * Takamine acoustics * Fender Blues Deville 4x10" * Marshall DSL100 and DSL50 * Marshall 1960A * Laney LH55 * Bugera V55HD * Bugera 212VT * Marshall 1912 * Roland Cube 60

Coolaxeman's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Rotosphere - too hot for humbuckers?!

Coolaxeman wrote:
cindyron wrote:
Coolaxeman wrote:

Here's a question for Joe and anyone else using a Rotosphere with a LP.  Let me explain.  I'm finding my MK1 Rotosphere is running too hot/distorted when I use an LP and this is due (I think) to the fact I need to run the gain high to get the volume balance about right. 

The question then is this - have you needed to change out the stock valve or performed any other mods to clean-up the output?

Thanks in advance - David.

Hi Coolaxman
I had noise and all kinds of issues then I put it in the effects loop and all is great.
Cheers Ron

Hey Ron - thanks for the quick reply.  However, I too place it through the FX loop (DSL100).  The FX chain also includes my Boss DD3, Boss RV5 and Boss TU2 by the way (could that be an issue?). 

And it's not noise - there's just too much drive in the unit and not enough clean headroom.  It does sound better when I use the LP bridge pup and a Strat/Tele sounds pretty much OK.  I think it's not so much a problem with the unit as such - it's more about setting it up so that humbuckers don't drive it so hard perhaps?

Well maybe try the Roto by itself in the effects loop. Come to think of it I only have that in the effects loop of my Carol Ann. I will try to add something else to see if there is an issue an get back to you.

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others