Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

[HoneyBearWombat]

Hello everyone,

Long-time lurker and this is my first post here. I am interested in getting either an Ant II or SSL-1 in the neck for a pairing with a SSL-1 RW/RP as the middle pickup. This would be for a maple neck MIA Standard Stratocaster running through a Vox AC15. I am looking for those great, clean, bluesy vintage Strat tones, like Hendrix, Clapton, Frusciante. I would also like a bit of roundness to the tone and the notes to ring out expressively. Which one would you recommend?

Has anyone tried the Ant II paired with the SSL-1 middle? Do you still get a great quack in position 4?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

Welcome to the forum!

Actually, either will get you those tones. Remember, the Surfers are aged, which might not be a look you want. The SSL-1 is like a great late 50s Strat, while the Surfers are more early 60s. To my ears, the SSL-1 is brighter. Also, an SSL-1, being the same wind as your middle pickup, will cancel more hum.

 

[HoneyBearWombat]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

Thank you for your reply!

I wouldn't mind a bit of variation, so to have the neck be warmer. As for the aged look, can the original Fender covers fit on the Surfers?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

The Fender covers will fit on the Surfers, but the poles will still look aged. I don't know if that sort of thing bothers you or not.

 

[HoneyBearWombat]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

Absolutely not, in fact my covers have an aged, parchment color to them. I am leaning toward the Surfers, but I will like to hear more from others on their experiences with this configuration before I decide.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

i really like both sets, the ssl1 are brighter by a bit but they are similar in many ways. i prefer the antiquitys most of the time. do you already have the ssl1 rw/rp?

 

[HoneyBearWombat]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

Hi Jeremy, yes I already have the SSL1 RW/RP. I am attracted by the Surfers combination with it and would like to know more. I would like a neck pickup to get a great definition of individual notes. What do you think of the Surfer middle RW/RP? Do you think it's worth sticking with the SSL1 in the middle and getting a Surfer in the neck or should I match the neck?

 

[jeremy]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

the middle surfer sounds great but if you already have the ssl1, might as well use that. both pups have good note definition, the surfer is a little smoother/darker sounding than the ssl1. mixing them is fine

 

[HoneyBearWombat]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

Thank you, Jeremy. I will do that.

 

[HoneyBearWombat]

Re: Ant II Surfers or SSL-1 in the neck as pairing for a SSL-1 middle?

Thank you, Jeremy. I will do that.