how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

[pcarrilho]

hi!
How do you deal with ssl-1 and "hummm" noise?
I wanto tu put ssl-1 in my neck and middle position on my strat (alder body with maple neck).
How does it sounds? I need a sound clean, some blues and gilmour sounds... do you think it is a good choice for neck and midle? i am afraid about the noise (i just have experience with noiseless pickups...)
thanks!

 

[Diocletian]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

It's no noisier than any other single coil. I think it's ideal for the middle position, although for me, I'd use something a little hotter in the neck.
I have a JB bridge, SSL-1 middle and Hot Rails neck in my Jackson SL3. It's a perfect combination for everything from thrash metal to bluesy rock.

If you don't want to go quite as hot as a Hot Rails neck, I'd look for some other suggestions, maybe a Lil 59. I don't see a whole lot of point in using the same pickup in neck and middle.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

SSL-1 is a phenominal pickup, I think it's overlooked in the neck. It does hum (just like any other SC) but if you shield and properly ground the electronics cavity it helps. I use them in the N/M for my Gilmour-esque Strat and they are great. If you like that vintage Strat neck and neck+middle blues tone, look no further.

I had Dimarzio moisless pickups in it before (as well as Lace Sensors before that) and it's no comparison. If you want the real deal tone, go for SSL-1's.

 

[uOpt]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

You can reduce noise quite a bit by shielding the guitar. The judges are still out there whether shielding everything causes a noticeable sound difference, but if you keep the shielding away from the pickups itself it should be fine.

 

[357mag]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

I believe shielding is a total waste of time. Single coils hum. That's it. It is not a big deal anyway when you are playing. And between songs simply turn your volume on your guitar off or even stomp on your tuner.

I had the SSL-1's along with the SSL-5 in my guitar. They were okay but I was kinda under-impressed to tell you the truth. I found out that the Dimarzio Area 67's sound much better than the SSL-1's do. But you must remember that the way a pickup sounds is greatly influenced by the specific piece of wood in your guitar.

Experiment and good luck.

 

[uOpt]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

The noise does reduce a lot by shielding.

Keep in mind these stupidass pickups don't even have shielded wires.

 

[DonP]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

ok, I'm confused.

SSL-1s are great and they suck.

Shields works but it doesn't.

 

[loudriver23]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

ok, I'm confused.

SSL-1s are great and they suck.

Shields works but it doesn't.

Don't be confused, some people like to throw words like suck around when they really mean it isn't up to their liking. The fact of the matter is the SSL1 is an excellent true vintage wound single coil strat pickup. If some people are looking for something warmer, hotter, thicker, quieter, then yeah the SSL1 won't be for them. If on the other hand you were looking for an upgrade to your strats stock pickups and didn't mind a little 60 cycle hum then in my opinion you would be hard pressed to find a better pickup than the SSL1.
As for shielding, it does work in quieting some of the noise associated with a true single coil. The issue is when people expect a shielded single coil equipped guitar to be as silent as humbucking guitar. That in my experience is just not possible.

 

[uOpt]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

People who don't like SSL-1s just don't have the right trouble booster pedal.

Shielding reduces the noise even with singles, there is no question whatsoever about it. Of course it doesn't go to zero.

Whether shielding changes sound is what can be discussed. My money is on not audibly, except that the noise itself might "prime" the first clipping rig stage and enrich sound.

 

[357mag]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

Shielding may help reduce some noise coming from other sources but it's not gonna do much to reduce the primary source of the noise. The single-coil pickup itself. Therefore it's a waste of time.

But feel free to shield your guitar anyway. Nothing wrong with a little tryout. Don't use the shielding paint. Use copper tape. Never perform any mod to your guitar that can't be undone a month later. Always plan ahead.

Consider the Dimarzio Area 67's too. Dead quiet and beautiful tone.

 

[uOpt]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

Shielding may help reduce some noise coming from other sources but it's not gonna do much to reduce the primary source of the noise. The single-coil pickup itself. Therefore it's a waste of time.

The noise from the unshielded cavity and the unshielded wires from the pickups to the cavity, through unshielded channels, cause a large part of the total noise for many Strats.

If you go as far as shielding the pickup cavities (under the pickups) you have a very noticeable noise reduction.

 

[Diocletian]

Re: how does ssl-1 deals with noise?

ok, I'm confused.

SSL-1s are great and they suck.

Shields works but it doesn't.

You've been on this forum 4 years, you should know how it works! :banana: