DeArmond 1100 Rhythm Chief Reissue Rewind

Ever wondered what's inside the famous DeArmond 1100 Rhythm Chief ?
This video features the rewinding of a new DeArmond 1100 Rhythm Chief floating pickup.

[@cliftonmoberg288]

I admire your skills and "caring".

[@kirkp_nextguitar]

Thanks for posting this. I’m very happy with my reissue RC1100. Fortunately, I didn’t need to adjust the screws to get a good string balance. Now I know I’d better leave them alone.

[@Napierlad1]

Always enjoy your videos Norman and thanks for that one too. JR Napier NZ.

[@Girsie]

Thanks JR, Glad you enjoy them.

[@w.l.graves7228]

nicely done !

[@thecolorifics92]

I just finished rewinding one that had the exact same issue, I thought it was the stick causing the issue till I cut out all the old wire and saw the exposed pole piece on the treble side. I always need to balance my pickups which is why I didn't buy the 1000. Nice and thanks!

[@thecolorifics92]

Oh I had a question. Mine has sat on a shelf for a year or so and I forgot which end of the coil to hook the 'ground' to..ulp! Can you help? annnd What's the guitar? (nice music too, refreshing.)

[@oldmanofcotati]

I enjoyed that.

[@Girsie]

Thanks Larry.

[@ninocosmico1519]

Great video Mr. Goudie! Is that a korean Page amp you plug into? I´ve had something similar (some bigger, more notches) since the early 2000s, I couldn't find much info about the amp or the brand all over the whole internet...

[@Girsie]

Thanks for the kind words Nino, Well spotted! It was a Page amp that a bass player friend of mine found in a skip/dumpster. It did work, but not very good so I made a push/pull amp for it using two 6V6's, I can't remember what circuit I used, I may have just made it up as I went along, then I upgraded the 8" speaker for one made by "Warehouse". It turned out pretty good, I use it for gigs, very light and easy to carry around, although it would be better through a 12" speaker but it's not big enough!

[@greaserleo]

The original Rhythm Chief has the pickup made from 2 separate bobbins individually wound and then wrapped together. I heard the reissue replicated this but doesn't look like it.

[@Girsie]

Hi there, You're right, the reissue 1000 and 1100 pu's look the part and I think they sound ok, but they are totally different inside. The DC resistance is much lower than the originals also. I have an original 1960's 1100 here which reads 13.8K! The original 1000 certainly has the two coils you mention. I've never had to rewind an original 1000 or1000 (luckily), but I've done a couple of the FHC Guitar Mike type, thin cardboard bobbin....not an easy one!

[@greaserleo]

@@Girsie I have an original 1000 that needs rewinding, watched youtube videos of rewinds & considered having a go, but think I'd probably be better taking it to a pro although the price to fix is probably more than a new replica is, would be great to hear a sound comparison of original vs replica, can't find any on youtube.

[@Girsie]

@@greaserleo I guess for a true comparison you would have to set up an archtop with one or the other, make a recording, swap the pickup only, leaving volume and tone pots, amp settings etc exactly as they were and record again, then compare recordings. It's a wonder someone hasn't done it! Even then, tone is such an subjective thing, people spend thousands searching for it and salesmen make thousands selling it! A friend of mine, a double bass player, went to see Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen playing with a small group in a small venue here in the UK. After the show he got a chance to meet and talk with him. My friend was congratulating Pedersen on the great tone he got and asked him what amp he had been using, thinking it would be something really special. Pedersen replied that he didn't know, it was just something that was sitting backstage when he arrived! As far as rewinding the 1000 goes I think you're right, try to find someone who has experience with Dearmonds. If you have never wound a pickup before I wouldn't start with that one... especially with the prices they seem to be these days! Good luck, Norman Goudie

[@kirkp_nextguitar]

You are describing the RC1000. This video is the RC1100, a very different design.

[@robertoandreoli6659]

Great video. What's the value of the pot you're using?

[@Girsie]

Thanks Roberto. Probably 250K, wish I could remember....90% certain 🙂.

[@robertoandreoli6659]

@@Girsie thanks so much, i'llbhave a go tomorrow.

[@waynecameron4411]

I think I'll just order the 1000 and not take a chance on the 1100 unless the company has fixed this issue. Thanks for making this video!!

[@Girsie]

Probably a good idea.