Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

[pskorz]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

Not necessarily saying you shouldn't try it yourself, but it takes patience. And ultimately, it may come to taking it in to the store. I think to put in a pickup would be in the ballpark of $30- $80, but that's just kind of a guess.
I think if you're willing to try it out, it's a doable job, and a good way to get to know the inner workings of the guitar. However, for some it's quicker than others, and I know in my case I usually get it done, but sometimes it takes a while and when you think you're done, if something's wrong, you have to take the strings and pickguard off and backtrace to what went wrong, and unsolder and re-solder a few things. It just requires patience.

 

[pskorz]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

Whether you think you can or should tackle the job is up to you. It's relatively easy, but does require patience, and a good soldering iron.
I don't know exactly, but a pickup swap should run probably $30 - $80 but I'm just guessing. Inherently it'll require and they'll charge you for a restring.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

I don't like tight low ends, which is another plus with the CC.



Thanks...that the CC has true mids to me is a plus; I don't care for the scooped sound.

That it sounds 'bigger' than the EVH, what do you mean by bigger? Do you mean that it sounds thicker at low frequencies?

If it sounds similarly to the EVH at the low end, then I am set; the only other question I would have: there are three screws holding the Fender humbucker in; some say that the SD trembucker bolts right in; a person or two said that the holes don't line up. Do you have any experience with this?

Another thing that I have heard: the SD wiring chart for the Mexican HSS Strat are reversed. When I put the pickup in, how can I know that the wiring is as it should be?

Finally, has SD stopped shipping product because of the virus? Many places are out of stock on white TB-11's.

Thank you for your time

Yes, for right now, production (and shipping) is shut down. California has very tight restrictions, but I know they are eager to open everything up. You might want to source a white CC somewhere else (mine is white, too), as I am sure they will be backlogged for months re-starting production again. Know that the phase of most SD pickups (including the CC) is opposite Fender's. So reverse the hot and ground of the SD...black becomes ground, green becomes hot.

 

[devastone]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

I appreciate all that you said, and I bet that a JB with an A2 magnet sounds sweet! I am surprised that SD never made a variant like that.

They do, for $160 - http://customshop.seymourduncan.com/warren-demartini-rtm/

 

[newdorplane]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

They do, for $160 - http://customshop.seymourduncan.com/warren-demartini-rtm/

Thanks for the link

Not necessarily saying you shouldn't try it yourself, but it takes patience. And ultimately, it may come to taking it in to the store. I think to put in a pickup would be in the ballpark of $30- $80, but that's just kind of a guess.
I think if you're willing to try it out, it's a doable job, and a good way to get to know the inner workings of the guitar. However, for some it's quicker than others, and I know in my case I usually get it done, but sometimes it takes a while and when you think you're done, if something's wrong, you have to take the strings and pickguard off and backtrace to what went wrong, and unsolder and re-solder a few things. It just requires patience.

Your post helped a lot; thanks. At least I have a mental picture of what I will be facing.

Yes, for right now, production (and shipping) is shut down. California has very tight restrictions, but I know they are eager to open everything up. You might want to source a white CC somewhere else (mine is white, too), as I am sure they will be backlogged for months re-starting production again. Know that the phase of most SD pickups (including the CC) is opposite Fender's. So reverse the hot and ground of the SD...black becomes ground, green becomes hot.

Appreciate the info. I have seen a few white CC's floating around online, but I always wonder if they're the real mccoy or not - so I have held off, for the time being.

In any event, once I get my CC in, I will update this with my impressions.

***

Thanks to everyone for their patience, in dealing with this newbie guitar player

 

[Aceman]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

#1 You should have no problem getting a close-to-VH sound with that Yamaha amp, small as it is, no matter what basic Humbucker pickup is in there. Just a matter of time to get the right model/eq/gain settings + Verb/Delay etc as the case may be.

#2 The Custom Customs floating around online are likely real. It isn't that ultra-popular, and it does have a unique voice that may not be suited to all guitars/players.

#3 Again - learning to Swap a pup on your own pays for itself quickly if that's what you are going to chase tone. As does learning to Swap a magnet if you have a pickup. 5 minutes will turn a stock JB into a JB2 or a JB8 which are very very cool....

 

[newdorplane]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

#1 You should have no problem getting a close-to-VH sound with that Yamaha amp, small as it is, no matter what basic Humbucker pickup is in there. Just a matter of time to get the right model/eq/gain settings + Verb/Delay etc as the case may be.

#2 The Custom Customs floating around online are likely real. It isn't that ultra-popular, and it does have a unique voice that may not be suited to all guitars/players.

#3 Again - learning to Swap a pup on your own pays for itself quickly if that's what you are going to chase tone. As does learning to Swap a magnet if you have a pickup. 5 minutes will turn a stock JB into a JB2 or a JB8 which are very very cool....

All of your points are very helpful...thank you

 

[devastone]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

Sometimes ya just gotta jump.

 

[LLL]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

Sometimes ya just gotta jump.

Might as well jump.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

Who said that? Whaalll.. hey..agh... (additional mumbling lyrics only a whiskey bottle knows)

 

[Aceman]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

Jump!

 

[Lucius Paisley]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

Might as well jump.

 

[devastone]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

These guys get it!

 

[LLL]

Re: Question Regarding EVH Frankenstrat vs the SD Custom Custom

View attachment 104415

Hah - that's from the St. Sanders Van Halen shreds "Jump" farce vid:

http://stsanders.com/web/vh/