Bill Conklin: RMC Synth Retrofit for GT-7

Eric Cioe · #1 03-25-2002, 08:24 PM

I recently bought a Groove Tools 7 string, and I love it. I would like to get it outfitted with RMC synth pickups. After talking to John Turner for a length, I decided that I would like to do this as soon as possible.

My questions- How much would it cost to get the system installed on my bass? How many knobs swtches would it add? Is it possible to put 3-band EQ plus the synth in the control cavity?

Conklin · #2 03-26-2002, 03:07 PM

In order to do this retrofit you will essentially need to gut the stock printed circuit board preamp that comes in the Groove Tools and replace it with either a Bartolini NTBT or even a NTMB 3-band EQ and new pots (the latter will require drilling a hole for the mid pot or using a stacked bass/treble pot). The new preamp and pots will set you back about $200. The next thing you need to do is replace the current non-piezo bridge with a RMC compatible bridge such as an ABM or Hipshot (RMC now makes replacement saddles for both of these brands). The new bridge with RMC saddles will run approximately $500 Finally, you will need to drill for and wire in the RMC Polydrive 1B which comes with the 13-pin output jack, a 3-way synth/mag/piezo switch, a patch switch, synth volume and magnetic/piezo blend control. This kit will run you about $350 for a grand total of around $1050 sans labor. In addition you will need to run your bass through a 13-pin compatible MIDI converter such as a Roland, Yamaha or the AXON unit that we use and recommend in my shop.

Hope that helps...Best wishes,
Bill Conklin

Eric Cioe · #3 03-26-2002, 03:09 PM

thanks for the info bill

**john turner** · #4 03-26-2002, 03:25 PM

hey bill

good to see you up and running

Bermel · #5 03-28-2002, 04:23 PM

Hello, Bill. It´s great having you in TB answering our questions. By the way, why is it necesary to change the old preamp used with the GT Conklins for wiring in the Poly-Drive, maybe a question of compatibility?

Conklin · #6 03-29-2002, 10:37 AM

Actually Bermel, it is solely for room. The printed circuit board that comes stock in the GT-7's takes up all the room inside the cavity which is not a problem until you try adding the 13-pin output which has it's own little circuit board attached to it and all the additional pots, switches, piezo wires and piezo/magnetic blend control.