Thinking about a Classic

[mwoeppel]

I have absolutely NO reason to get a new guitar, but I'm gassing for a classic.

I really dig the vintage strat tone, but not the noise.

I have a HDTC that is great, had a DT and didn't really like it. Have two Cobras - love 'em both.

So I'm wondering...

Hollow or regular?
Ash or alder?
SA's or VA's?

I'll probably go with a rosewood fingerboard no matter what.

What do you think?

Mark

[Big Mike]

Don't have an Andy (yet) but Ash has always been my favorite for stratty tones.

[BFC]

I prefer the M series to the SA pickups in a Classic. If you want extremely close to traditional tones without the noise, these are the ones. For some sound samples, check these out...

Clips by David Barber (http://www.barberelectronics.com/pickuptest.htm)

David is a Swamp Ash fan, especially hollow versions. I get a better tone with Alder. Based on these clips and descriptions from Tom, I changed my newest Alder Classic order to have the new M1- neck and middle with an M2 bridge. I had an Alder Classic last year with the M1 neck and middle pickups. Great guitar but a little too fat, especially on the bottom, for what I wanted in traditional tones with Alder. You should be able to hear the difference between the two pickups in the clips. Should be here relatively soon.

[Bard]

Thanks for the link, BFC. Great stuff! I haven't tried Ms personally, but from those clips they seem to sound thicker than the single coils, which have more of that bell-like, "hollow-sounding" chime.

Mwoeppel; for what it's worth, my hollow alder T Classic has terrific single coil tone. My vote goes to alder :)

[mwoeppel]

[QUOTE=BFC]I prefer the M series to the SA pickups in a Classic. If you want extremely close to traditional tones without the noise, these are the ones. [QUOTE]

Well, my buddy and I played a '59 strat and my Koa Cobra with the minis through the same amp (channel A & B). The mini's were fuller and harmonically, more complex, but not as bright. Not even close to being the same.

Still love 'em, though. Just not the sound I'm looking for.

[TimH]

IMHO if you want a real strat sound get VA's. They nail the vintage strat vibe...that in a swamp ash guitar with maple neck....mmmmm

[tom]

comparing a strat and a cobra? i hope they were different sounding. i think you were hearing a lot more than pickups ;)

[BFC]

[QUOTE=BFC]I prefer the M series to the SA pickups in a Classic. If you want extremely close to traditional tones without the noise, these are the ones. [QUOTE]

Well, my buddy and I played a '59 strat and my Koa Cobra with the minis through the same amp (channel A & B). The mini's were fuller and harmonically, more complex, but not as bright. Not even close to being the same.

Still love 'em, though. Just not the sound I'm looking for.

I also have the M series in my Cobra S and they do sound fuller and not as bright in that guitar. Different sound in a Classic though and will be more so with the M1-. Just something to consider. Otherwise go with the VA series for dead on vintage. I love VA pickups (especially the VA12, VA12R, VA23 set!) in a Classic but you said you didn't dig the noise. I have a second Classic on order with the VA set for when the noise isn't a concern.

[mwoeppel]

comparing a strat and a cobra? i hope they were different sounding. i think you were hearing a lot more than pickups ;)

Of that, I have NO doubt!

Apples & Oranges. :p

[BrianH]

I've got a very nice Classic with M's coming in later this week. Come by and hit it.

[mwoeppel]

-k

give me a shout!

mw

[David Barber]

The VA has been my favorite vintage style single coil for about two years now. If you need dead quiet then it is time to look at the M1- with an M2 in the bridge.

[mwoeppel]

The VA has been my favorite vintage style single coil for about two years now. If you need dead quiet then it is time to look at the M1- with an M2 in the bridge.

Hmmm. I could put Fender Noiseless in my Anderson! ;)

so far, it sounds like Ash with VA's. No word yet from Roy.

[tom]

roy is still on vacation for the rest of this week.