I’ve just got a new (to me anyway) HSS Strat. Compared to my SSS Strat it has a much “bassier” tone, not just in the bridge position. It’s not just as sharp. It’s like that in all positions. Not better/not worse,just different. Now it is noticeably heavier, and it has an Oval C neck (SSS has modern C). Sort form that,all the same. Custom Shop Relics
Is there any of the above differences that would jump out as being the reason it sounds quite different. I would like it to be a bit sharper/glassier. But I’m wondering if I changed the pickups would that likely sort it, or is that fundamentally the sound of that guitar,regardless of what I put in it? The pickups are stated as “60 Strat CC” on the HSS on the shop floor traveller. Handwound 60’s Abby’s in the SSS.
Pearls of wisdom awaited
Thanks
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But how does it sound acoustically - I'm guessing one will be more 'lively' unplugged - Probably the SSS
I bet if you tap both bodies you'll get a different pitch/note, which has an impact on the guitars acoustic voice - I'm expecting the HSS to have a lower pitch note - Probably denser so probably weighs a touch more - Not set in stone - 2 Strats can be the same/similar yet still sound different
So would it be fair to say that changing pickups would make little difference? Presumably the ones in it are fairly decent to begin with.
Also are both alder bodies, or is one ash
Unless I'm missing something the neck & middle pickups are different, so there's going to be difference in tone and bass/high curves etc. Yes, changing the pickups will make a ton of difference regardless what the guitar is made of, the thing is finding ones you like.
If we're just talking about less/more bass/top and the basic tone is OK, quick cheap fix is EQ the amp & pedals. Like sometimes I swap from hot humbuckers to SSS Strat; the buckers need the bass taming and a bit of high added vs the SS, a quick tweak sort it out.
Thanks. Pots are stated as 250k 10% taper split on both.(whatever the hell that means!) Ill certainly have a look at the pickup height. Everydays a school day!
Plastic or metal?
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Plastic. Pretty thick though.
Yip, thats correct. neck and bridge Pickups are different in each guitar.