The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

R

revolution

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1989 Fender HM Strat(goodbye Super 3...dark-muddy). What p'up would define the "SuperStrat" generation? Guitarists like DeMartini , Lynch(pre Screamin') , Jake E. Lee...etc. I have a Groove Tubes Soul-O-75 and I use an Analogman modded MT-2 Metal Zone over the clean channel to act as a third "hot" channel. I know EVH is the "EVH" and p'up sounds an awful lot like him. I'm thinking something in the moderate output range since I have so much gain between the amp and the pedal already. One of the AXIS p'ups maybe?
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

The PA Blues would be a good choice. When I think 80's shred tone though, I think JB or Duncan Distortion in a hot Marshall.
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

JB, Distortion, Custom even the Custom Custom in some instances. These are all medium-high to high output. If you want to try other brands, the DiMarzio PAF nails it all.
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

Dimarzio super distortion is great for solos, but not very "hard rock" for riffs
I think in a super strat, a duncan distortion would be nice..
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

I think JB, EMG 85, or Dimarzio Super Distortion...

~ Kac ~
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

Bruce Kulick durring his Hair Band days in KISS in the 80's went from using the EMG 85 to the JB in his superstrats.

Paul Gilbert used the Super Distortion
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

I think the KEY is really an ADA type preamp (rocktron, etc will do as well) and MOST OF ALL THE JCM800. I think the JCM is soooo much a part of the 80s tone. Use either Vintage 30s or 75w.

Although EVH invented it, I think a lot of guys got the tone with basswood and a JB or a PAF Pro. A lot of Ibanez guys like Vai have that nailed! I think the JB is a great choice, as are a select few other models. A Tone Zone might get you there, for instance.
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

JB... lol Super Distortion....

What's funny is that if you are trying to emulate the late 60's tones, you buy a pickup based off of that era. Due to the emergence of aftermarket pickup manufacturers in the mid to late 70's, if you want the 80's tone, you buy the same pickup they used...
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

Were talking about an alder strat right? In that case its a battle between Super D and the JB. If its a basswood shredder its a toss between the PAF Pro and the Tone Zone.
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

I've got a super distortion on bridge of my Charvel Strat(basswood body) and it sounds nice for classic rock stuff.. but not that 80's tone like Ratt, Dokken or Jake E. Lee.
I think their tone is pure duncan, go with distortion or JB.. I would like to try them in the future on my Charvel, can't go wrong
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

I don't think it's as muc in the pickups as it is in the amps/preamps. A hot Marshall with some Rockman seasoning is great for e.g. Dokken - Under lock and key tone. For late 80's tones, ADA MP1. A JB or Distortion might help a little bit too
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

For what it's worth, if the Axis pickups are similar to the Peavey Wolfgang pickups, I think they're too bassy/muddy for high defined 80's gain. Come to think of it, the PRS ¤7 pups I had in my LP clone had an awesome definition and clarity, the #7 bridge would be great for 80's Marshall tones.
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

Under lock and key tone......

One of the best tones i've heard in my life, George Lynch rules!
 
Re: The quissential "Super Strat" tone?

revolution said:
1989 Fender HM Strat(goodbye Super 3...dark-muddy). What p'up would define the "SuperStrat" generation? Guitarists like DeMartini , Lynch(pre Screamin') , Jake E. Lee...etc. I have a Groove Tubes Soul-O-75 and I use an Analogman modded MT-2 Metal Zone over the clean channel to act as a third "hot" channel. I know EVH is the "EVH" and p'up sounds an awful lot like him. I'm thinking something in the moderate output range since I have so much gain between the amp and the pedal already. One of the AXIS p'ups maybe?
Click to expand...

In my Fender HM Strat, the best combo I've ever used for 80's rock is a Hot Rails neck, Fender middle, and JB bridge. The Full Shred that I have in there now rules, but not for tones you're talking about.

Mark
 
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