antiquity or ssl-1

[hellrider77]

ive narowwed it down some what for my start. im going for the SRV sound and im runnin through 2 bassman 50 heads with a 2x15 a 2 x 12 and a 4 x 10 cab. i also run through a peavey 5150 2x12 combo some times. i am wondering which pickup will best suit my needs for a SRV sound. the antiquitys or the ssl-1 calibrated set. any info would be greatly apprecieated

 

[Curly]

Re: antiquity or ssl-1

both great choices

to me, the difference is as much about FEEL as TONE ... the SSLs are glassier, brighter, with a little more highs and lows; the Ants are softer with less pull/ more sustain, and a little fatter, warmer mids

SSLs, with their A5 mags, are close to what SRV had, wound a tad warmer - 6.4 rather than 6K

the Ant II Surfers are another consideration, too

I love the Ant set for its warmth and responsiveness, but I've also been playing an SSL set with a Twangbanger bridge lately ... darnit, you can't go wrong!

another thing I've noticed lately is that with the SSLs you can go about 1 number lower on your volume than Ants or APSs, and still retain clarity

 

[hellrider77]

Re: antiquity or ssl-1

thanks. i will probally go with the antiquities. im tryin to get away from the glassy bright sound. can you tell me the difference in the antiquity and antiquity surf pick ups. i currently have a set of seymour ssl-6 calibrated set in my strat and its just too hot for me. i may end up sellin them on the post. or i may just keep em for something else down the road. thanks again

 

[Curly]

Re: antiquity or ssl-1

can you tell me the difference in the antiquity and antiquity surf pick ups.

The Antiquity Texas Hots/ Custom Bridge have alnico 2 magnets; the Antiquity II Surfers have alnico 5 magnets.
the Antiquities are warmer, the Antiquity IIs are brighter

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: antiquity or ssl-1

For me, it's Surfers with Surfer Ant II Custom bridge, or a set of Fender Fat 50's.
To me, the Fat 50's neck pickup IS SRV.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: antiquity or ssl-1

In a way, the calibrated SSL-1 set is closer to vintage Strat pickups because the bridge pickup is the stock 6.5K SSL-1 and then the neck and middle are underwound a little from there. Vintage Strats had three identical pickups, all wound to about 6K to 6.4K. The 50's Strats were closer to 6K and the 60's Strats closer to 6.4K.

The Antiquity II Surfer set with the Custom Bridge is the one to get though. The bridge pickup is hotter, about 9.5K, and sounds ballsier to me than the 6.4K SSL-1.

The neck and middle Ant Surfers are about 6.5K each and sound similar to the SSL-1 but more complex and ballsy. They'll do anything vintage Strat pickups will do and more! I like the Surfers better than the stock pickups in my 40 year old '63 Strat...and that'sa great sounding Strat just like SRV's.

Lew