Livewire II classic Strat set
- Thread starter Supernut
- Start date
Re: Livewire II classic Strat set
I keep going back and forth between these and the Blackouts with switching for high and moderate output. I'm so confused! Thanks for your input.
I keep going back and forth between these and the Blackouts with switching for high and moderate output. I'm so confused! Thanks for your input.
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Livewire II classic Strat set
All accounts of the LWII Classic Strat set have been that they are arguably the absolute best, most authentic/believable "classic Strat" sound in an active.
I can tell you from experience that the Blackouts singles are somewhat Strat-ish, but noticeably thicker and hotter than any traditional strat sound. Also, the high output setting is for keeping up with the Blackouts humbuckers (which are just a tad over-the-top for me and I like high output pickups). It doesn't work as effectively as, say, a clean boost with passive pickups.
Can you tell us more about what you're after?
All accounts of the LWII Classic Strat set have been that they are arguably the absolute best, most authentic/believable "classic Strat" sound in an active.
I can tell you from experience that the Blackouts singles are somewhat Strat-ish, but noticeably thicker and hotter than any traditional strat sound. Also, the high output setting is for keeping up with the Blackouts humbuckers (which are just a tad over-the-top for me and I like high output pickups). It doesn't work as effectively as, say, a clean boost with passive pickups.
Can you tell us more about what you're after?
Re: Livewire II classic Strat set
To be honest that's part of my dilemma. I probably should go to a store and play around with an active pickup guitar to get a better idea. I've had this bug to build a guitar with active pickups and, until I do, I will have that monkey on my back. I am leaning towards the Livewires though.
To be honest that's part of my dilemma. I probably should go to a store and play around with an active pickup guitar to get a better idea. I've had this bug to build a guitar with active pickups and, until I do, I will have that monkey on my back. I am leaning towards the Livewires though.
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Livewire II classic Strat set
At the store, you're not likely to find anything that's going to sound or feel like the LiveWires.
You should definitely play some "active" guitars. However, understand that the LiveWires have a totally different feel and response than the Blackouts, EMGs, etc and the single coils in each series are different than the next.
Definitely don't expect the EMG 81/85-equipped guitar at the store to be representative of the LiveWires or even the Blackouts singles.
If you can get your hands on a guitar with the Fluence singles somehow, those may be closest to the LW, but are still an entirely different "active" technology and construction.
In truth, your best bet is to try them and swap them out if you don't like them. One of the beautiful things about the 3-pin design featured on the LW2's is that you can pop EMG, Blackouts or Fluence in their place quite easily without changing the rest of the wiring!
At the store, you're not likely to find anything that's going to sound or feel like the LiveWires.
You should definitely play some "active" guitars. However, understand that the LiveWires have a totally different feel and response than the Blackouts, EMGs, etc and the single coils in each series are different than the next.
Definitely don't expect the EMG 81/85-equipped guitar at the store to be representative of the LiveWires or even the Blackouts singles.
If you can get your hands on a guitar with the Fluence singles somehow, those may be closest to the LW, but are still an entirely different "active" technology and construction.
In truth, your best bet is to try them and swap them out if you don't like them. One of the beautiful things about the 3-pin design featured on the LW2's is that you can pop EMG, Blackouts or Fluence in their place quite easily without changing the rest of the wiring!
Re: Livewire II classic Strat set
i have a set of blackout singles and i like em a lot. they are thicker and less scooped than a traditional strat pup but it suits me well. i have a switch to jump between the output levels and it works well, its noticeable but not huge
i have a set of blackout singles and i like em a lot. they are thicker and less scooped than a traditional strat pup but it suits me well. i have a switch to jump between the output levels and it works well, its noticeable but not huge
