The Electra Forums

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I thought that many of the module suggested settings showed position 1 in the manual (don't have it right in front of me currently), which is the 'In Series' selection and usually perceived as a tiny bit louder than the other four positions. Personally I've noticed that a lot of the MPC modules cause a loss of signal (read as quieter when engaged) and that the position 1 modestly compensates for that signal loss. I could be wrong. Position 5 is out of phase, and usually that is thought to be the quietest selection. I almost always use mine in position 4, bridge pickup only.

I'm glad that you like it, and you should take some pictures, I'll post them for you if you'd like. The Transblack or Charcoal burst or Blackburst (what ever you want to call it) is not the most striking finish that's for sure, and possibly because it is semi-opaque the wood was not all flamey like some of the later Electra offerings. I do like the look of the dot neck better than the big old block inlays personally, and I had a feeling that this neck would be thinner than how you described your X950 neck, and the X935's may be even thinner still, we'll have to come up with some kind of measurement standard.

I still maintain that these late Vulcans (Dicky Betts dot necks) were the last of the MPC's (possibly along with the Ultima X960s), used the exact electronics that the X960 used and could have been an attempt to use up remaining Ultima hardware as they have the exact same parts and brushed aluminum back plates (very uniquely shaped). Just a hunch, I bet Tom would know for sure... (hint hint)

Sounds like a keeper man, enjoy it, Mike.


P.S. I thought after you completed your 12 step MPC program you're Acquisition Syndrome would be cured man!

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Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch

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That is one sweet finish on that model. It looks great and I bet it sounds even better. Congrats on the score.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Rene Lopez is the Tadeo Gomez of ElectraLand, I've got a R.L. sticker on my X250.

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Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch

I remember Rene and his brother very well! Rene was a MONSTER player. He worked in the shop as his first job and was still there in '97. Imagine playing guitar 8 hours a day for 10 or more years doing scales, perfecting your licks, adjusting guitars etc. After a few years, he became a master luthier and had an ear and eye! He and Scott Burkham, essentially made many of the custom instruments and one-off Signature prototypes in the Electra, Westone and Alvarez brands.

His brother, Rick worked in many capacities at SLM - factory, guitar shop, marketing.... They were really part of a bigger family at SLM as their uncle and father also worked there in the violin shop with the Knilling brand. Rico and Luis were good people and I was proud to be associated with them.

I've since lost all touch with the "guys" in the shop but I'd say that they all played a huge part in making the brand play well. I'm not sure if anyone really knows what it took to turn "production" quality guitars into some of the "customs" that you've all played.

Tom

Tom, please tell us any of your recollections about the X930 'Dot Neck' or 'Dickey Betts' Vulcan. This is different from the block neck Vulcans in that it appears to be using the X960 Ultima Electronics and the same brushed control covers. Thanks in advance, Mike.

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Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch

Tom, I would really love to see some of the gems that you have in your collection, too!

- Matt

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