Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

[JohnF05]

Hey guys. I'm curious what the difference(s) are between the SSL-1 and SSL-5. I emailed customer service and was told the SSL-5 has a "more powerful wind making them a bit fatter". I wondered if you guys agreed or had more input on the difference(s). I'm thinking of two SSL-1's and the SSL-5 in the bridge, but then wondered why not put all three SSL-5's in? I'm looking for that traditional bell/glassy/chime of a Fender Strat. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Jon

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

That's pretty much the main difference. It uses a thinner wire and more turns of it. The SSL 5 is also tappable to a lower output for the more traditional bell/glassy/chime that you mentioned. I would wager that all 3 on full would be overkill if you want traditional strat tone, but having one in the bridge is pretty refreshing, and doesn't overpower traditional singles too much. A good compromise that is popular on the forum is using 2 SSL 1s for the neck and bridge while having an SSL 5 in the bridge for traditional strat tone with a a little more output and beef when you want it. Comparing it to the SSL 1, the SSL 5 has a more tempered high end (not as detailed or glassy), but a fuller bass and is generally louder.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

The SSL-1/SSL-1/SSL-5 is a great combo for a Strat- you get the glassy highs/wonderful quack sounds of the middle and neck, with more power (driving the amp harder) for the bridge. The SSL-5 is the solution to ice-picky highs and weak output that plagues many Strat bridge pickups.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

That's pretty much the main difference. It uses a thinner wire and more turns of it. The SSL 5 is also tappable to a lower output for the more traditional bell/glassy/chime that you mentioned. I would wager that all 3 on full would be overkill if you want traditional strat tone, but having one in the bridge is pretty refreshing, and doesn't overpower traditional singles too much. A good compromise that is popular on the forum is using 2 SSL 1s for the neck and bridge while having an SSL 5 in the bridge for traditional strat tone with a a little more output and beef when you want it. Comparing it to the SSL 1, the SSL 5 has a more tempered high end (not as detailed or glassy), but a fuller bass and is generally louder.

That pretty much says it all. I have a tapped SSL-6 (SSL-5 w/ flat poles) in the bridge of my Strat and it really is the best of both worlds to a point. The only weakness is that you have to set the height so that tapped mode is a little weak, unless you want full output to COMPLETELY overpower the neck & mid.

 

[JohnF05]

Re: Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

The SSL-1/SSL-1/SSL-5 is a great combo for a Strat- you get the glassy highs/wonderful quack sounds of the middle and neck, with more power (driving the amp harder) for the bridge. The SSL-5 is the solution to ice-picky highs and weak output that plagues many Strat bridge pickups.

Thank you for the response, Mincer. I think that's the combination I'm going to go with. I need to do a bit more research into the Antiquity II Surfer Strat. Is that not for a glassy/bell/quack Strat sound as well?

 

[JohnF05]

Re: Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

That's pretty much the main difference. It uses a thinner wire and more turns of it. The SSL 5 is also tappable to a lower output for the more traditional bell/glassy/chime that you mentioned. I would wager that all 3 on full would be overkill if you want traditional strat tone, but having one in the bridge is pretty refreshing, and doesn't overpower traditional singles too much. A good compromise that is popular on the forum is using 2 SSL 1s for the neck and bridge while having an SSL 5 in the bridge for traditional strat tone with a a little more output and beef when you want it. Comparing it to the SSL 1, the SSL 5 has a more tempered high end (not as detailed or glassy), but a fuller bass and is generally louder.

Hey, thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. Any thoughts on the Antiquity II Surfer Strat for those glassy/bell/quack tones?

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

chime=ssl1
fat=ssl5

go with your original plan of two ssl1s and an ssl5. It works.

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

Hey, thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. Any thoughts on the Antiquity II Surfer Strat for those glassy/bell/quack tones?

I have not yet had the chance to try the Ant IIs unfortunately.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Differences between the SSL-1 and SSL-5?

Thank you for the response, Mincer. I think that's the combination I'm going to go with. I need to do a bit more research into the Antiquity II Surfer Strat. Is that not for a glassy/bell/quack Strat sound as well?

They are wonderful pickups, with slightly softer high end than the SSL-1s. They don't have the power of the SSL-5, if that is what you need in the bridge.