Which SCs to go with '57 Classic in HSS?

[bonedish]

So I've decided to go back to the sweetness that is the '57 Classic in my alder/maple HSS but I'm having a hard time deciding between the neck and middle SCs. My main contenders are the SSL-1, the SSL-5 or the Fender Tex-Mex SCs.

I love the tones and boldness of all of these but which one would be a better match for the output of the '57 Classic? I realize that it may still be a bit off output-wise, but I'd like to get as close as possible. I know that the SSL-5 & TM have higher output vs the SSL-1, but would the SSL-1 hang okay?

Also, any advice on which pots - 250k or 300k? :scratchch


Thanks! :cool2:

 

[ErikH]

Re: Which SCs to go with '57 Classic in HSS?

The SSL-1's or Tex-Mex's would do just fine.

250K pots should be ok, even with the '57 Classic being an A2 pickup. One thing you can do is wire it so the tone control(s) are on the neck and middle only and leave the bridge without a tone control. That'll keep the '57 Classic from getting too dark.

Or, go 500k volume, no tone on the bridge, and 250k tones on the neck and middle. That'll open the '57 Classic up while the 250k tone pots will keep the neck and middle from being too bright. Adjust the tone caps too, .022uf or .047uf. I like .022uf myself with singles though .1uf is really nice with brighter singles.

 

[bonedish]

Re: Which SCs to go with '57 Classic in HSS?

Thanks!

Just out of curiousity, would something like the SSL-4/7 Quarter Pounds be too hot/loud vs the 57 Classic in the bridge? I'm now debating over a strat SC tone vs a quasi p90 tone.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Which SCs to go with '57 Classic in HSS?

Tex Mex will go very well with the '57.

I would start by trying a 500k vol pot with 250k tone pots (for the neck and middle SCs), no tone pot for the '57.

 

[Stef]

Re: Which SCs to go with '57 Classic in HSS?

The SSL-1's would do just fine.

go 500k volume, no tone on the bridge, and 250k tones on the neck and middle. That'll open the '57 Classic up while the 250k tone pots will keep the neck and middle from being too bright. Adjust the tone caps too, .022uf or .047uf. I like .022uf myself with singles though .1uf is really nice with brighter singles.

+1

I've used SSL-1's with the JB....no problems with output (volume)...I'd go with .1 cap for SSL-1's and 500K volume pot...