How do the ssl-1 look?

[Tumblinman]

Hello

I have a assembled strat with a set of SD SSL-1 of which all 3 pickups have been purchased seperately at different places. One of them looks a little different then the other and I'm wondering if I have been fooled. They all look identical except for one little thing and that's the look of the polepieces. One of them has "beveled" (not really sure that's the right word) polepieces. They are somewhat rounded and not flat and sharp as on the other two.

I have tried if I can hear any difference soundwise, but it's kinda´ hard since I never had them mounted in the same place. The one that looks different is mounted in the neck and sometimes I think that pickup is a little "rounder". But that could also be the placement on the guitar. The measured output is identical for all three pickups and the sound character is similar.

Maybe the SSL-1 were made with beveled polepieces at some point?

PS! Also, if one examines the pickups closely one can find a small difference in polepiece height. The high e and b polepieces is a tad higher on the "odd-looking" one.

 

[RockStarNick]

Re: How do the ssl-1 look?

My SSL1s are definately NOT beveled...

perhaps the person did it themselves?

I know some of the fender SCs are beveled.

Me personally, it would drive me nuts. But then again, if it sounds good, if it aint broke, don't fix it, right?

 

[Tumblinman]

Re: How do the ssl-1 look?

Well, it sorta´is driving me mad.

Although, the more I think about it I tend to lean towards it being a genuin SSL-1. All things considered - the identical visual apperance (apart from polepieces), the identical output (kOhm) and the correct sonic signature - that seems like the logical conclusion.

On another subject, how high do you all set your ssl-1's? It's an old, old question, I know, but I have too place mine as high as 1.5-1.7 mm between the polepiece and the string (when depressed at the last fret) in order to get a sound that I like. That was a surprise for me as I tend to have my single coils pretty low - often lower than recommended standard height.

If I use like 3/32" the sound is a little thin and lacks both quack and oomph on the bass strings. Anyone else have the same experience?

 

[Shy_Boy]

Re: How do the ssl-1 look?

The SD pickups I have all have a sticker on the back. Some of the older ones are hand written and some are stamped. They seem to have a "look" about them. If you post some pics of the backs, I' sure someone will express an opinion.