Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

[SavageRiffer]

I saw one of these new for $179 and it sounded like a really good deal compared to other Internet pricing. I never played them, don't know if they're anything like Texas Specials, but I just installed a Texas Special neck into a Suhr strat and it's awesome. What can I expect from the Antiquities? Are they hotter than Cust Shop Texas Specials? Some reviews say they have a little less bottom end and a little smoother.

Also, I remember seeing a video someone did with a Mesa Boogie Roadster or something and the Antiquity Hots and it sounded amazing. Anyone know where to find that vid?

 

[PicoRiveraTele]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

Darker set, soft pick attack. Not bright and glassy like what you'd get from SSL-1's, or most of Fender's offerings.

 

[BlueSnMettle]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

Darker set, soft pick attack. Not bright and glassy like what you'd get from SSL-1's, or most of Fender's offerings.

I agree with this somewhat. I think they did retain some of the classic Strat sound, though not as much. I installed them in a Jeff Beck Strat and absolutely loved them. Very balanced and the bridge pup provided that extra girth that is often sought. The 2 and 4 positions are a dream. Awesome pups. Regrettably I sold that guitar in a moment of temporary insanity. You'll love them.

Peace,

Darrin

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

In my '66 Strat, they are everything you'd want from a vintage Strat. I wouldn't call them dark. When I mixed original pickups with the Ant Texas Hots they matched perfectly. Throwing the switch was just like moving the tone from bright to warm, nice and even, not like switching to completely different pickups. This is the reason I started playing Duncans for over 20 years.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

Thanks for the comments guys, and glad to hear in particular about positions 2 & 4 because that's where I keep them at most of the time. By soft attack, do you mean they react to the softest attack or that they have a more subdued quack?

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

Thanks for the comments guys, and glad to hear in particular about positions 2 & 4 because that's where I keep them at most of the time. By soft attack, do you mean they react to the softest attack or that they have a more subdued quack?

They’re not glassy bright. You can get the classic Strat tones like Little Wing or Wind Cries Mary, but those tones will sound smoother with a rounder treble. Less edge than my Alnico 5 Surfers.

I like the Texas Hots and use them in my Strat set up for slide. Makes for a more pleasing, less metallic tone, with less string noise and rattle.

Improving my slide technique would probably help too...but at 68 I doubt I’m going to get much better.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

I actually like these a little better than 'classic' Strat pickups like the SSL-1/2 set. I think Strats need a little extra power and a bit rounder tone to achieve maximum Stratness.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

Man you guys make them sound so sweet. Too bad my tracking info now says "delayed" because they were supposed to get here today.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

If you’ve seen any episodes of That Pedal Show on Youtube (or any demos of gear on the Guitarist mag Youtube channel) Mick’s Blue Strat is loaded with Texas Hots. I’ve been wanting to install a set in one of my Strats for years. Are there any more sets available or was it a private seller?

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

I love Alnico 5 Surfers and SSL1’s, but they can sometimes sound a little edgy and sharp. Not always, and it’s the classic Strat tone. Kind of glassy.

The Texas Hots never do. I don’t think they have a shrill bone in their body!

 

[SavageRiffer]

Re: Just Bought An Antiquity Texas Hot Loaded Pickguard, What To Expect?

Mick Taylor is a fantastic player with fantastic tone. I love his strats.