Surfers vs. SSL-1's

[Benjy_26]

Hi all.

Can anyone compare the tonal difference between a pair of Surfers and a pair of SSL-1's in the neck and mid of a strat? Thanks a bunch for your help. :burnout:

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Surfers vs. SSL-1's

The Surfers seem to be a little throatier and ballsier but still extremely vintage sounding. Both are great pickups, but the Surfers have more complexity and balls, IMO. They're very similar: classic early 60's alnico 5 tone that's bright, ballsy and glassy. Killer for SRV, Hendrix, etc. Lew

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Surfers vs. SSL-1's

Cool, thanks Lew. Just one more thing: Which of the two can cop Knopfler's tone on "Lady Writer" better? The APS-1's in my 62 RI get close but aren't as spanky as what I hear on the record.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Surfers vs. SSL-1's

Either...although I'd go for the Surfers.

The APS-1 is not quite bright enough to nail that tone, IMO, but it should be able to get pretty close.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Surfers vs. SSL-1's

The APS-1 is not quite bright enough to nail that tone, IMO, but it should be able to get pretty close.

I know, and it drives me nuts!!! :yell:


Thanks for the info. :beerchug:

 

[Frantic_Rock]

Re: Surfers vs. SSL-1's

Cool, thanks Lew. Just one more thing: Which of the two can cop Knopfler's tone on "Lady Writer" better? The APS-1's in my 62 RI get close but aren't as spanky as what I hear on the record.

Bear in mind Knopflers gear - he had active pickups and thin strings. Also he used his index finger, middle finger and thumb to pop the strings. That's what give it that spank on all Dire Straights songs. When you start playing like him, you will sound like him, IMO.

Alex

 

[MDS]

Re: Surfers vs. SSL-1's

The finger thing is right on. I think a lot of guys don't get exposed to this technique. SRV and Albert King used the finger pop as well. It is something to spend some time thinking about for sure.

Mike

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Surfers vs. SSL-1's

Bear in mind Knopflers gear - he had active pickups and thin strings. Also he used his index finger, middle finger and thumb to pop the strings. That's what give it that spank on all Dire Straights songs. When you start playing like him, you will sound like him, IMO.

Alex

I agree with that...if Knopfler picked up a Strat with APS-1 pickups and played his style it'd sound just like Mark Knopfler! (Although the guitar on the early Dire Straits stuff we're talking about here was a refinished early 60's Strat with stock pickups.)

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Surfers vs. SSL-1's

I'm not looking to ape Knopfler, I just dig the general character and vibe of that particular tone. Thanks for all the responses, gentlemen.