Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

[Mincer]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

The negativity in my case is based on Carter Duncan Company buying a signature that does not reflect the artists endorsement and obviously tacking on a premium to the price of the set.

I think the record keeping and the story of that day in 1968 is awesome in itself and more than enough to make these special pickups.

This may have to do with the estate requiring that signature on such things, but I have no first hand knowledge of this. It seems to be all over his website, and other products, so it is a good guess.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

The Fishman Fluence are just some sort of modeling pickup aren't they? Why have a modeling pick up when you can do a hundred times more with an amp or even some of the better "pedals" out there?

Sidebar: They are not a modeling pickup in the least, it's an all analog pickup that has 2 voices, both of them where the resonant peak(s) and frequency response curves are not related to one another.

But it brings up a good point for this thread. Hendrix's sound included a LOT of cable length, which brings the resonant peak way down on passive single coils. There is also a lot of resistive loading in a Fuzz Face and other pedals he used. So the Hendrix pickup tone is heavily affected by the cable and the first pedal in the Hendrix chain at any given point in his career.

All this to say that if you get these pickups, or traveled back in time and got any of Hendrix's pickups and plugged them straight into a boutique tube amp, they will sound brighter, clearer, etc. that goes for demos on the internet as well. If the demo is with a regular length cable, straight into an amp or modeler, then you're hearing the pickup but don't judge THAT sound against recorded Jimi tone. Hope that makes sense.

 

[thanaton]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

From what I've read and heard they sound sterile, unnatural...don't know just what I've seen out there.

"sterile and unnatural"... a person could choose kinder words to describe the same tone: "modern and distinctive", for example. The unflattering choice of words just go to show that the prevailing tastes favor vintage tones.

Personally, the sort of innovation I'd like to see is lower prices and expanded versatility, as was seen with the P-Rails, for example. You're right that maintaining a vintage stock appearance is very important. If it wasn't, the vintage stagger would have been eliminated a long time ago. I bet SD sells quite a few more sets of SSL-1s than SSL-2's.

 

[bloomfieldriffs]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

Sidebar: They are not a modeling pickup in the least, it's an all analog pickup that has 2 voices, both of them where the resonant peak(s) and frequency response curves are not related to one another.

But it brings up a good point for this thread. Hendrix's sound included a LOT of cable length, which brings the resonant peak way down on passive single coils. There is also a lot of resistive loading in a Fuzz Face and other pedals he used. So the Hendrix pickup tone is heavily affected by the cable and the first pedal in the Hendrix chain at any given point in his career.

All this to say that if you get these pickups, or traveled back in time and got any of Hendrix's pickups and plugged them straight into a boutique tube amp, they will sound brighter, clearer, etc. that goes for demos on the internet as well. If the demo is with a regular length cable, straight into an amp or modeler, then you're hearing the pickup but don't judge THAT sound against recorded Jimi tone. Hope that makes sense.

I am on unfamiliar ground regarding resonant peak so I am purely speculating here. I don't understand the cable length point, live would have longer cables, studio shorter cables. It seems that Roger Mayer would have taken into consideration pickups, pots, cable, and amp input resistance when setting up the Hendrix rig for live and studio performances. This is supported in my opinion by the largely consistent "Hendrix tone." If this, by some lucky guess on my part, is somewhat close to the mark then it should be possible to build a rig capable of recreating that tone. The challenge lies not in the rig but in the hands of the guitar player .

Can resonant peak be measured from a recording?

Blind Faith.

 

[Diminished Triad]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

Seymour Duncan does what he does very well. Very few can remain on top for decades. Seymour tells the story and allows us to draw our own conclusions regarding the Hendrix pups. Whether you think Hendrix used these pups at Woodstock or not, like virtually all of Seymour's other work these pups seem like they are going to sound great. One day Seymour's pups may disappoint me but after maybe 15 sets now that hasn't happened. I'll order the Hendrix pups and I won't think they will make me sound like Jimi - I will though expect that again Seymour has created a darn great sounding set of pickups!

http://intl.fender.com/en-GU/series...stratocaster-maple-fingerboard-olympic-white/ Fender markets a Hendrix guitar (not a signature level) and includes 5 position blade switching and a radius of 9.5. Hendrix used a 7.5 radius and I believe a 3 switch. I believe Fender modified the Hendrix specs because many more guitarists today prefer the 9.5 radius and 5 switch blade. I'd prefer the original 7.5 radius and a 5 switch option. None of these made Hendrix. Hard to fault Fender or Seymour Duncan - plus they are IMO the best at what they do.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

Hendrix estate signature, marketing, business ethics, tone is in the hands, roger mayer, NOS tubes, blah blah blah.

I'll bet they are great sounding pickups.

 

[bloomfieldriffs]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

Strat talk forum - other voices:
http://www.strat-talk.com/threads/seymour-duncan-jimi-hendrix-signature-strat-set.416085/

 

[KNUCKLHEAD]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

I am on unfamiliar ground regarding resonant peak so I am purely speculating here. I don't understand the cable length point, live would have longer cables, studio shorter cables. It seems that Roger Mayer would have taken into consideration pickups, pots, cable, and amp input resistance when setting up the Hendrix rig for live and studio performances. This is supported in my opinion by the largely consistent "Hendrix tone." If this, by some lucky guess on my part, is somewhat close to the mark then it should be possible to build a rig capable of recreating that tone. The challenge lies not in the rig but in the hands of the guitar player .

^^-- Correct , it is pure speculation . We all come from different backgrounds Frank , Me, Roger Mayer , Eddie , etc. what Frank points out is something the others may not have caught or Payed attention to . The different experiences and Insights are Exactly Why there are so many great pickups and gear these days ( along with natural evolution in technology and aspiring .

Fender markets a Hendrix guitar (not a signature level) and includes 5 position blade switching and a radius of 9.5. Hendrix used a 7.5 radius and I believe a 3 switch. I believe Fender modified the Hendrix specs because many more guitarists today prefer the 9.5 radius and 5 switch blade. I'd prefer the original 7.5 radius and a 5 switch option. None of these made Hendrix. Hard to fault Fender or Seymour Duncan - plus they are IMO the best at what they do.

And so are Gibson, Dimarzio and Myself at what we do . <-- Oh + most likely Frank at what he does with Fishman

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

And so are Gibson, Dimarzio and Myself at what we do

Are you in the music gear business???

 

[bloomfieldriffs]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

^^-- Correct , it is pure speculation . We all come from different backgrounds Frank , Me, Roger Mayer , Eddie , etc. what Frank points out is something the others may not have caught or Payed attention to . The different experiences and Insights are Exactly Why there are so many great pickups and gear these days ( along with natural evolution in technology and aspiring .

Apologies but I haven't a clue what you're point might be. Please elaborate as it seems that you are trying to imply that I posted something that was inappropriate.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

Seymour Duncan does what he does very well. Very few can remain on top for decades. Seymour tells the story and allows us to draw our own conclusions regarding the Hendrix pups. Whether you think Hendrix used these pups at Woodstock or not, like virtually all of Seymour's other work these pups seem like they are going to sound great. One day Seymour's pups may disappoint me but after maybe 15 sets now that hasn't happened.

Yep. Only from what I understand, Seymour no longer owns and directs the Seymour Duncan Company. His ex-wife Cathy does.

And Seymour owns and runs the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop.

Regardless, I don't see anything wrong with the Duncan company offering Strat pickups that Seymour designed specifically for Jimi, hoping that Jimi would love them.

I'm sure they're excellent.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

And Seymour owns and runs the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop.

Is there confirmation of that?

That could be interesting, especially if Seymour would still wind the occasional set for customers.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

I have no confirmation of that.
But back on topic, please.

 

[Diminished Triad]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

I have no confirmation of that.
But back on topic, please.

Hard to pass and move on when someone shares information that Seymour Duncan does not own Seymour Duncan. I have ordered lots out of the Custom Shop and will continue to do so, but would like to know if Seymour is still in charge or owning the Seymour Duncan company?

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

Hard to pass and move on when someone shares information that Seymour Duncan does not own Seymour Duncan. I have ordered lots out of the Custom Shop and will continue to do so, but would like to know if Seymour is still in charge or owning the Seymour Duncan company?

well, like Mincer pointed out, there was an entire thread about that.

I'd just like to see the photos of him in the custom shop mean that he's making pickups in the custom shop. can anyone else imagine a new Hendrix set that's wound by Seymour?!? maybe make them a "chase" set, where he makes one set that get's mixed in with the production sets that randomly go out...meaning that nobody knows where they are going and some lucky customer ends up with a surprise.

 

[bloomfieldriffs]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

On March 28, 1968, a young Seymour W. Duncan met Jimi Hendrix at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Jimi was playing two shows at the Field House arena. Seymour brought a gift with him that day; pickups he hand-wound just for Jimi. Roger Mayer installed the pickups in Jimi’s white Stratocaster then and there. He asked Seymour to carry that white Strat up on stage, and that event would set in motion Seymour’s future and legacy.

Now that same tone is available to you.

"don't judge THAT sound against recorded Jimi tone"

Don' t mind me but I gotta get this out of my system. Why do you all say "Jimi" did or sounds...Where did the first name basis come from? I don't think anyone would say "Yeah, that Jupiter symphony #41 by Wolfy is awesome." Or, Franky said "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy." Doesn't Mr. Jimi Hendrix deserve a little more respect than that? Just a question, I may have this all wrong, not an unusual occurrence.

 

[KNUCKLHEAD]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

Bloomfieldriffs , it was in regards to this --> " I am on unfamiliar ground regarding resonant peak so I am purely speculating here. I don't understand the cable length point, live would have longer cables, studio shorter cables.It seems that Roger Mayer would have taken into consideration pickups, pots, cable, and amp input resistance when setting up the Hendrix rig for live and studio performances "

so I said ~> " Correct , it is pure speculation . We all come from different backgrounds Frank , Me, Roger Mayer , Eddie , etc. what Frank points out is something the others may not have caught or Payed attention to . The different experiences and Insights are Exactly Why there are so many great pickups and gear these days ( along with natural evolution in technology and aspiring " .

and it was in Regards to this by Frankfalbo ~> " But it brings up a good point for this thread. Hendrix's sound included a LOT of cable length, which brings the resonant peak way down on passive single coils. There is also a lot of resistive loading in a Fuzz Face and other pedals he used. So the Hendrix pickup tone is heavily affected by the cable and the first pedal in the Hendrix chain at any given point in his career " .

 

[bloomfieldriffs]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

Bloomfieldriffs , it was in regards to this --> " I am on unfamiliar ground regarding resonant peak so I am purely speculating here. I don't understand the cable length point, live would have longer cables, studio shorter cables.It seems that Roger Mayer would have taken into consideration pickups, pots, cable, and amp input resistance when setting up the Hendrix rig for live and studio performances "

so I said ~> " Correct , it is pure speculation . We all come from different backgrounds Frank , Me, Roger Mayer , Eddie , etc. what Frank points out is something the others may not have caught or Payed attention to . The different experiences and Insights are Exactly Why there are so many great pickups and gear these days ( along with natural evolution in technology and aspiring " .

and it was in Regards to this by Frankfalbo ~> " But it brings up a good point for this thread. Hendrix's sound included a LOT of cable length, which brings the resonant peak way down on passive single coils. There is also a lot of resistive loading in a Fuzz Face and other pedals he used. So the Hendrix pickup tone is heavily affected by the cable and the first pedal in the Hendrix chain at any given point in his career " .

Seems I said the same thing as Frankfalbo but in more uncertain terms. He mentioned cable length and pedals as effecting resonant peak and therefore tone and so expectations of achieving Hendrix tone by just taking these pickups with hopes of plug and play. I bumbled along a longer path considering in addition guitar electronics and amp input impedance. Also in my post I theorized that the Hendrix tone was consistent even with these variables because Roger Mayer took them into account when setting up the rig. We arrived at the same conclusion although admittedly my rendition was not as clear.

That said, what is your point? Don't see how it may have been inappropriate.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

"don't judge THAT sound against recorded Jimi tone"

Don' t mind me but I gotta get this out of my system. Why do you all say "Jimi" did or sounds...Where did the first name basis come from? I don't think anyone would say "Yeah, that Jupiter symphony #41 by Wolfy is awesome." Or, Franky said "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy." Doesn't Mr. Jimi Hendrix deserve a little more respect than that? Just a question, I may have this all wrong, not an unusual occurrence.

I find this comical.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Introducing the Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Set

well, like Mincer pointed out, there was an entire thread about that.

I'd just like to see the photos of him in the custom shop mean that he's making pickups in the custom shop. can anyone else imagine a new Hendrix set that's wound by Seymour?!? maybe make them a "chase" set, where he makes one set that get's mixed in with the production sets that randomly go out...meaning that nobody knows where they are going and some lucky customer ends up with a surprise.

I think there was some recent photos of him in the Custom Shop doing some winding, like from a few weeks ago. I don't remember what thread that was in, though.