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--- In , "Johnston, Rick"
<rick.johnston@u...> wrote:
> HELP!!! Sorry for yelling, but I need to make a decision on a 62
reissue
> strat with EMG pick ups and a Clapton preamp. I also have the
opportunity
> to pick up a Polytone mini brute, can you guys give me some advice
on this
> set up as far as producing a good, wet surf tone???
I'll take a shot. The Clapton preamp adds midrange to the tone -
like adding steroids. When reading Clapton's description of it, he
said it made the Start sound more like a Gibson, so it apparently
increases the output, overdriving the amp more. Not useful for
surf. I don't know if it'll have an impact on sound when kept on
minimum, but most likely it will to some extent. EMG pickups are
usually used by guys that play very distorted metal - i think their
highest profile users are Kirk Hammett of Metallica and David Gilmour
(who also tends to use very distorted guitar tones). However, when
played very cleanly they will not give you the warm sound that we
associate with a Strat - I think the term 'clinically clean' would be
most appropriate.
HOWEVER, I'm a big fan of '62 reissue Strats (I have two) and would
recommend that you get the guitar if you can get a good price and
then take the entire pickguard assembly, the pickups, the preamp, the
knobs, etc. and sell it on eBay - you'll be able to get GOOD bucks
for it - probably between $150 and $200. Then buy yourself an
already preassembled '62 reissue assembly, which will probably cost
you more like $120, even new (Fender's '57/'62 reissue alnico pickups
are GREAT!). And be happy with your awesome sounding '62 reissue
Strat!
Ivan
