FET input

[guitarjazz]

In a recent Fretboard Journal interview with Lindley and Ben Harper, they go on about the FET input is where the magic happens. I was always told that the FET input was for an acoustic guitar and wouldn't be the first choice for an electric.
Does the FET come before a preamp tube or does it replace it in the circuit? (you can tell it has been a couple of years since I built my Knight-Kit)

[ayan]

In a recent Fretboard Journal interview with Lindley and Ben Harper, they go on about the FET input is where the magic happens. I was always told that the FET input was for an acoustic guitar and wouldn't be the first choice for an electric.
Does the FET come before a preamp tube or does it replace it in the circuit? (you can tell it has been a couple of years since I built my Knight-Kit)

The magic is wherever it is. The FET input being "for acoustic" started off speculation on my buddies' (Steve Ahola heading the list) and my part over at Ampage a decade ago, and it's became an urban legend by now. The input impedance of the FET is 3.3 Meg, which could be benefitial when coupled with piezo pickups since they have a high capacitance. None of us actually "invented" that notion either, we all got the idea from Kevin O'Connnors' first book, in which he discussed the benefits of using a higher impedance with certain types of transducers.

The FET circuit comes before the 1st stage, so using it would be similar to having some kind of boost before the amp.

Cheers,

Gil

[Bob-I]

I've tried the FET input with a piezo acoustic into a full range PA cabinet. Blah, I'll continue to play directly into the PA.

The FET seems to add a rawness that the Dumble doesn't produce. Smooth and sliky, go normal, gritty and raw, go FET... JMO

[ampcrack]

Hi Guitarjazz,

HAD wanted to get more gain. As he didn't want to put
another preamp tube in or the ODS just didn't have
enough room, he built a FET.

So it's as Gil Ayan said, it's another kind of boost.

Hope this helps.

Best

John

[heisthl]

You can relay the Fet and put the level on the front panel - I guess 2 Rock does this, here's my take:

[Funkalicousgroove]

It is my understanding that the FET was incorporated for Lindley's penchant for cheap piezo pickups that he uses on things like his Saz and oud, I have a few early 30's Bakelite Rickenbachers(like Mr. dave used on th Early Jackson Browne stuff), and they do have more grit and growl through the FET input. As I recall, Mr Lindley is also a big fan of the purple peaker boost as well-

[guitarjazz]

I was thinking along a similar line ..maybe Mr. Dave's cheapo guitars are given the proper kick in the arse with the FET input. Blame DL for $25 guitars going for $250(or more).