Slash / Boston Sound

THRobinson

THRobinson

New member
Hey guys... I have a really nicely setup Agile, and although not a Gibson, I'll bet blindfolded, people can't tell the difference.

Only downside is well, electronics are good, not perfect.

Looking to swap the pots, and pickups.

Torn between making the guitar closer to how Slash's sounds, or Tom Scholz (Boston). My fav guitar sound hands down are those two.

From my understanding, I think Scholz has a '57 lead, P90 neck? or maybe a DiMarzio Super Distortion for lead... I've seen both mentioned.

What does Slash have? Does he actually use the Slash signature Seymour Duncans? or are they more a marketing gimmick to have his name on them?

Just looking for basic setup info, I know I won't get the exact sound, because I don't have the same ability or equipment, but looking to see if anyone knows their setups and which would be the easiest/cheapest to semi-achieve. :)
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

The Slash pickups are nice. That first GNR album was a LP copy with whatever pickups it came with.

The Boston tone is DiMarzio Super Distortions through what would become the Rockman preamp. The Rockman is also Billy Gibbons’ tone on Sharp Dressed Man and those other songs.




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Re: Slash / Boston Sound

Slash actually uses the Slash pickups in his newer Gibsons. His older 'Appetite' guitar (not a Gibson) used Alnico Pro IIs, which I find give that Slash sound in pretty much any guitar if you use similar gain and play his licks.
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

Mincer said:
Slash actually uses the Slash pickups in his newer Gibsons. His older 'Appetite' guitar (not a Gibson) used Alnico Pro IIs, which I find give that Slash sound in pretty much any guitar if you use similar gain and play his licks.
Click to expand...

The Alnico II Pros are my favorite Duncan pickups.


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Re: Slash / Boston Sound

Cool... Google'd and (if accurate) says it's a '59 replica build by Kris Derrig with a pair of Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 pickups, so... those Slash pickups are probably pretty close to what he uses then. Wasn't sure if the case, or on of those marketing deals where they slap a name on a guitar/electronic and you know for a fact that the artist doesn't use them.

So for the Slash sound, I guess the Slash pickups would be good to get, a Marshall and a Wah pedal... all audio taper 500k pots and 0.022uf caps.

I'm actually looking for a better/cheap/used amp... been using a cheap (free) Crate GX-15 and time to move up a notch. Debating between a Marshall, and I like the Peavey Valvekings.

Normally I don't do this much upgrade wise for guitars, but every guitar is unique and the Agile I happened to pick up, to me is gorgeous. Buddy when I was growing up had an early 90's USA Les Paul standard, and IMO this one plays just as well and looks way nicer. Figured I'd go all out and upgrade the small bits that it's lacking.

Downside is all the chrome... has really good quality tuners and bridge, but on a rootbeer finish guitar with cream trim, needs to be gold... still debating that aspect.
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

The "Slash" signature set is a little warmer and a little higher output than his classic Alnico II Pros. That said, both sets are incredibly versatile and very dynamic.
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

Gtrjunior said:
No guitar needs gold hardware
Click to expand...

Normally I hate gold... more than I hate chrome (satin is where it's at) but chrome is a cold colour... rootbeer and cream are warm colours. Design/colour wise, gold is a better match, especially with those vintage amber knobs.

If not gold, nickel... but for such a minor change between chrome and nickel, there'd be no point.
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

That’s just my opinion. I don’t like gold hardware on any guitar but it’s not my guitar!!!
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

I hear ya though... usually gold just looks tacky/flashy. Once in a while it's nice.... rare though.
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

The Derrig replica is a bit of a screamer apparently. When Slash started with Gibson as an endorsee he had a bad time trying to find guitars he felt could keep up with the Derrig - which was getting totally smashed up with the huge touring load. In the end the Slash pickup set became the way the stock guitars were given the 'missing bit'. So they are essentially a tweaked A2pro.
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

Love the Boston tone, but I wouldn't know jack about it. Lotsa mids, I think.
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

Purchase the Dimarzio Super Distortion. It's worth it!
For the neck position, you could attempt to try a Slash Alnico II Pro. I had one on my V guitar, but replaced it with a Dimarzio Transition.
With the nature of the Super Distortion being vintage hot, I believe you won't have any problem with an Alnico II Pro in the neck. Someone could differ, but to my ears no.
 
Re: Slash / Boston Sound

OsvyRock said:
Purchase the Dimarzio Super Distortion. It's worth it!
For the neck position, you could attempt to try a Slash Alnico II Pro. I had one on my V guitar, but replaced it with a Dimarzio Transition.
With the nature of the Super Distortion being vintage hot, I believe you won't have any problem with an Alnico II Pro in the neck. Someone could differ, but to my ears no.
Click to expand...

I have a Super Distortion in my Les Paul bridge and it KILLS.
I love it.
I’m not trying to sound like Slash or Tom per se, but it will get you there if that’s the goal.
 
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