I was thinking seriously about selling some gear and buying a very expensive boutique guitar.
But I ended up getting a used MusicMan Silhouette Special (I really like these guitars) and splurged on a new set of pickups, instead:
Lollar Blackfaces in the neck and middle.
Tyler "Secret" humbucker in the bridge.
I'm so into this setup. The Lollars are hot but keep that vintage vibe and the Tyler is a little more subtle than other humbuckers but it still burns mightily!
The result is a really nice balanced setup.
G.A.S. = "Git a Sound"
Comments
though struggling to get official HSS scratchplate atm to do my sss to hss mods / uk distributors proving nxt to useless (
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://s86.photobucket.com/user/guitapick/embed/slideshow/Silo"></iframe>
Getting me to provide some clips might take a little longer but I'll see what I can do.
Agreed about the under-rated aspect of these guitars. I was at Sam Ash in Manhattan, checking out some Suhr, Anderson, and PRS models. Fantastic guitars but they'll cost you. On my way out I noticed they had a new Silo Special HSS. I used to have a '90s Silo with a Floyd and remembered how much I loved the way it played, so I sat down and plugged it into a big Blackstar. Made my decision right there, though I felt bad that I didn't give the sales guy a commission. Good dude...but I knew I could get one used for half the price.
I'm in agreement about the stock pickups. They're jack of all trades, but fall extra short with the heavier stuff. The one I got had an Area 61 in the neck, Area 58 in the middle, and AT-1 in the bridge. The wiring was all kinds of screwed up...but, whatever. Original owner didn't engage the silent circuit, having the silent pickups in there. I liked them, but wasn't sold. I like the silent circuit better, if I'm going to cut the hum. You can adjust how much you want to cut, which helps to keep the highs intact. I wasn't sold on the look of the zebra AT-1 (sounds good though), so I went on a pickup search. (Ended up selling the original set).
Met this guy on a forum (from the UK, btw) who had a Silo Special wired standard like a Strat (lived with the hum). He loved the Tyler and was very into the Suhr V60LP singles. I already knew I wanted the Lollars (friend has them in a Strat), but did a leap of faith on the Tyler and haven't been disappointed. At all. The main thing for me with this guitar, is to have a good balance for leads. I want to play leads that switch between the bridge and neck without that big volume dropoff and that's what this provides.
I've got it wired stock:
1 = bridge
2 = bridge and split bridge
3 = neck and split bridge
4 = neck and middle
5 = neck
I had problems with a dead spot between the 3 and the 2 caused by a loose super switch (need the super switch for this setup and the silent circuit). Got one from the dealer and it's working fine, now.
I really dig the 3 for lighter leads and very much for rhythm. Think Tele 2 position.
Weakest link is the 2 if you're looking for that pronounced Strat quack. Split humbuckers aren't as good as singles to begin with and the Lollars are a little too powerful. It's still a really nice sound...especially with OD. But if you're looking for Knopfler, this won't do it for you. I've got a sweet Strat, so it's not an issue for me.
I liked the tortoise shell guard but wanted black (remember: I'd sold some gear and was considering paying a LOT more for a boutique...so I treated myself, here). I ordered one from these guys:
http://pickguards.us/pgordinst.htm
My tech had to play with it a little, but got it right without a problem. They're well regarded and ship internationally, if you're interested.
This is a great ax. I'm thinking of getting a used Silo hardtail and putting two VERY powerful humbuckers in there, at some point. Have to sell something, first, though.
And that's my story and I'm stickin' to it....
will someone tell me if you can check out more than the Silo photo in my library through that link? I'm not sure how photobucket works and would like to keep my full library private.
Thanks.
Also did you sell the original pickups with the scratch - cos otherwise I could be interested .
heres a link to mine - now has a black SD 'Lil 59 in bridge
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/41299/ngd-mm-silo-sss#latest
I didnt get on with the JP6 - played well - neck profile very similar to Ibanez Jem wizard , 20" radius , wider fingerboard and shallower depth than silo special ;? stupid low action etc but didnt gel with basswood / stock pickup sound .
Sold to forum member .
I also had what I hoped was the perfect superstrat - a full r/w neck Luke L3 HSS but I didnt bond with the rosewood neck feel n profile - to me the silo works best so far .
im after an axis though as those Ive played so far have sounded great / like the small format n the neck is not dissimilar to the SS.
The rosewood board on my Silo is very, very comfortable. I've gotten to where I like maple better, at this point, but my first and only electric for a decade was my LP and, as a long time acoustic player, switching to rosewood is pretty easy.
Axis is a kickass ax. I'd want a hardtail, though. I just don't get along with a Floyd. I end up getting very anal and the next thing you know, the little knobs are maxed out and I've gotta start all over again. Shame, as they're very useful.
I'm going to hold on to the scratchplate. Not totally sold on the black one I replaced it with. Going to get some black screws and see if that makes a difference. Thinking I might not have liked the tortoiseshell because of the zebra bucker. Not sure. Tell me what you think when you see the pix, later.
Still having trouble just putting a nice private shot up here that can't access my library, so here are some links using a different site/method. First shot is how it first looked:
https://s25.postimg.org/8i3enk71b/IMG_6226.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/53l87fbmn/IMG_0035.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/hw9c7cn8f/IMG_0037.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/nygyxubof/IMG_0042.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/6mgmcei73/IMG_0043.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/vtricnlb3/IMG_0045.jpg
Although - I've already bought a zebra trembucker JB HB for mine - but youve tuned me into idea of the Tyler style setup
It's all limba with a rosewood board
I did direct mount pickups, mojo's btw
Split coil paf bridge 2 60's strat pickups
I also did 2 vol 1 master tone
I really like this configuration as it's still strat like but the paf is great for lead or roll the volume down to match the single coil volumes then turn up for solos
It's an ongoing project for a future model and I'll change the neck next
It's also got a bigger 59 style neck for gibbo lovers
Can't go wrong with hss imo
(formerly customkits)
"It is your destiny!"
It's played by Ramon goose a great player
(formerly customkits)
Great sound straight into the amp.
I love the 3 and 3 headstock. Easy bends.
Looking forward to more links. What's the weight?
I had to ask him to do that style as he gets bored, I'll be doing more with him
It's fairly light I'd say around 7.5lb
I've lent it to someone and I'll weigh it when I get it back
I also want to change the neck as I fancy a bubinga neck and board
The headstock has been a mixed reaction but I've made it slightly wider now to straight the 2 e strings out
(formerly customkits)