SSL-1 on G&L Tribute Legacy

[Maxence]

Hello,
Being a fan of the sound of Pre-CBS strats I made the decision to install a set of SSL-1L on my G & L Tribute Legacy.
- Is it possible?
- Would there be any changes to make?

Outside of this:

- Are there potential players in this configuration?
- Would it be wise to put copper tape in the cavities pickups and jack to shield?

Thank you !

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: SSL-1 on G&L Tribute Legacy

Full set? Neck only? Bridge only?

If you go full-set, no problem. If you replace only one pickup then someone else will have to say whether there are polarity & phase issues with the stock G&L pickups; I don't know. If there are, then you may have to swap some wires or pickup positions to get it to work properly.

FYI, G&L used to use Duncan SSL pickups stock in the Legacy. I believe new Tributes are pretty well shielded as-is.

 

[Maxence]

Re: SSL-1 on G&L Tribute Legacy

Full set? Neck only? Bridge only?

If you go full-set, no problem. If you replace only one pickup then someone else will have to say whether there are polarity & phase issues with the stock G&L pickups; I don't know. If there are, then you may have to swap some wires or pickup positions to get it to work properly.

FYI, G&L used to use Duncan SSL pickups stock in the Legacy. I believe new Tributes are pretty well shielded as-is.

I'm taking a full set !

When I open it, I just see a kind of honey inside, is it for shield ?

 

[Mincer]

Re: SSL-1 on G&L Tribute Legacy

Welcome to the forum!
If your guitar has a larger-than-vintage radius, you might consider the SSL-2, the flat pole version. It works well with flatter fingerboards and modern string sizes.

 

[Maxence]

Re: SSL-1 on G&L Tribute Legacy

Welcome to the forum!
If your guitar has a larger-than-vintage radius, you might consider the SSL-2, the flat pole version. It works well with flatter fingerboards and modern string sizes.

Thanks !

How can I know if my radius is the good one ?

I really prefere SSL-1 and will not buy anything if I can't have them ! ^^

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: SSL-1 on G&L Tribute Legacy

Tributes are 12" . I think the original Legacies actually used SSL-2s; the flat SSL-1 . It's the same pickup other than the stagger, I don't think there's a huge difference for most people; you can get away with staggered or flat.

 

[Mincer]

Re: SSL-1 on G&L Tribute Legacy

Thanks !

How can I know if my radius is the good one ?

I really prefere SSL-1 and will not buy anything if I can't have them ! ^^

Well, it isn't good or bad, it just is what it is.
If the post above is correct, and it is 12", and you don't already have the SSL-1, I'd order the flat version, the SSL-2.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: SSL-1 on G&L Tribute Legacy

I don't think you'll hear a huge difference between the G&L CLF-100s and the Duncan SSL-2 pickups. I have 11 USA-made G&L Legacys, with both brands, and I don't hear anything that would make me say one is better than the other. Mine have flat-top magnets which is the approriate pickup for their 12" radius fingerboards. Both are great vintage-sounding pickups.

Two of my Legacys have Duncan Texas Hot Antiquity sets (staggered) and these are wonderful pickups too, but but nothing like the SSL-2/CLF-100 style. They are much darker.

However, some Tributes have a 9.5" radius curve...right in between the modern 12" and the vintage 7.5". Either flat or staggered magnet pickups will work.

If you are learning how to do your own setups, I would strongly suggest a set of steel radius gauges from Stew-Mac. Dan Erlewine's book, "How To Make Your Electric Guitar Play Great" has some tear out plastic gauges, but the steel set is more durable.

Good luck.

Bill