SSL-3 vs SSL-4

Re: SSL-3 vs SSL-4

Really depends on what you are looking for. Personally if you want more output and more sustain go for the Hot.

The QP has a certain hashiness? to it. didnt "speak" and didnt sustain so well.

The Hot can be tapped as well. Down to vintage output amounts. And that sounds very strat like. Much better than a tapped QP.

Output wise, the SSL-3 has as much as a 59' bridge.
 
Re: SSL-3 vs SSL-4

The Hot has a really fat mid-range tone and the highs might not be enough with a dark amp. Might need a 500K or even 1M pot. Should work well if your guitar/rig is thin sounding.

The QP has a more standard EQ, but sounds really big. I thought I heard Pearly Gates type highs out of it a couple of times. Should work well if you guitar/rig is dark.

I like them both, and wish you would switch between them.

Maybe if the Hot was tapped at 3/4 instead of 1/2 the coil?
 
Re: SSL-3 vs SSL-4

See, I see it differently. I think if you have an "all mids" Marshally amp, maybe the Hot would compound that harsh upper midrange and multiply it into being ear piercing. So then the deeper punch of the QP with the slightly softened attack of the 1/4" magnets would be better IMO. If you have a fat Fender clean sounding amp, or a thick Boogie type overdrive, the Hot would really make it scream. The smaller magnets will preserve the cut, while the wind will make it hit the amp with authority.

I guess that's why there's no one recipe for everyone. :) One thing's for sure, they're really different pickups. If you've tried the hot, perhaps telling us wht you thought of it would help to define what the QP would do for you in contrast.
 
Re: SSL-3 vs SSL-4

Until I changed amps, the Hot just didn't have enough highs for me, so wouldn't think it would become ear piercing without some serious EQ. I can see the QP being piercing because of the extra highs. But, it probably depends on your guitar, rig and taste. As you said, they are different, and I like them both.

Another consideration, the QP looks different than the others. This may or may not be a problem for you.

I also like the Custom in a strat for a sort of vintage/hot vibe.
 
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