The 2023 update introduces a dedicated Jangle Knob. In the real world, capturing that Rickenbacker sparkle requires specific compression and EQ. Ample Sound modeled the classic "Ric-O-Sound" circuitry digitally. You can now dial in the exact amount of high-end sizzle—from soft folk strums to The Smiths' "Barbarism Begins at Home" attack—without touching a third-party EQ.
Previous versions were too polite. The 2023 FR Hot library introduces dynamic distortion coupling. When you play softly, the sound is clean and articulate. When you hit a MIDI velocity above 110, the engine automatically introduces a harmonic saturation that mimics a tube amp on the edge of breakup. This is vital for alternative rock and 90s jangle-punk. ample sound ample guitar rickenbacker 2023 fr hot
If you can’t afford the upgrade, here’s a quick trick. Take your standard Ample Guitar Rickenbacker, add an amp sim with presence at 80%, add a soft clipper (like Kazrog K-Clip) to shave off the peaks, and use a transient shaper to boost the attack by 4dB. It won’t be the same as the 2023 FR Hot, but you’ll get 70% of the way there. The 2023 update introduces a dedicated Jangle Knob
The 2023 update brought several key improvements over previous years: Tonal character: Bright, chimey, fast attack, low-mid scoop
Tonal character: Bright, chimey, fast attack, low-mid scoop – perfect for The Beatles, The Byrds, The Jam, Tom Petty, and indie rock.
Before discussing the plugin, we must address the hardware. Rickenbacker guitars are synonymous with the British Invasion. Think of the Beatles' "Hard Day’s Night," the Byrds' "Mr. Tambourine Man," or the aggressive punch of Geddy Lee’s tone in Rush. That percussive, compressed, chime-like attack is incredibly hard to replicate with standard sample libraries.
Previous versions of Ample Guitar R (the standard Rickenbacker) were good, but users often complained about the lack of "grit" and modern playability. Enter 2023’s "FR" (Fretless/Real) Hot iteration. This isn't just a re-skin; it is a complete re-engineering of the engine to handle high-gain and high-energy playing styles.