Another Varitone Question...

Wfrance3

Wfrance3

Supporting Member
May 29, 2014
4,580
9,177
5,431
58
Tulsa, OK
#1
I was wondering, if a Varitone would work as intended if it were applied as in the pic.

I'm not the strongest when it comes to wiring up stuff, but have been known to navigate directions successfully. As such, if this makes no sense to the folks who know more, it's because of the former...

Essentially, I have observed that it seems to be a common practice to wire a .047 cap onto the master tone in a VVT scenario, just like the little green one in my example picture. Could it be replaced with the two wires of a Varitone? Would it function as it should?

It seems the master tone would act as a tone roll-off as one would expect with a regular tone knob that had no caps involved. Introducing that Varitone would just let you click through whatever cap values it has on it.

Obviously it would require 4 pots. - This is kinda the point, I have a 4 knob bass that has VVTT and the tone's don't necessarily play nicely together. This seems like it might be a mod worth doing so I don't have a VVT and and empty hole. If I had a VVT-Varitone, might offer some additional tonal options and be more useful than the two tone knobs I have fighting one another...

Thanks for reading my post.
 

Attachments

  • VVT_1.png
    VVT_1.png
    930.5 KB · Views: 152
#2
Practically speaking, if you already have a varitone and want to install it, then yes. Below is the Gibson schematic.
As commonly installed, they were in addition to normal Tone controls.
However, most people don't really like the way they sound.
By introducing an LC circuit, you get a mild midrange notch which most people don't find particularly pleasant or useful. So if you had to pay for one you might find yourself wishing you had bought something more modern like an EMG BTC preamp to fill the four holes.
Good luck!

IMG_2770.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wfrance3
#3
I was trying to stay away from a pre, but yes, would like to avoid trading one source of distasteful tone for another.
With both tones rolled on, my bass sounds pretty good. If I go
Playing with the tone controls, you gotta find the “sweet spots”, which is kinda a pain. Thought this varitone thing might be something that would make that situation nicer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back