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The Pickup Place / Re: SSS: [SDS-1 neck, FS-1 middle, SDS-1 bridge,]

« on: September 09, 2016, 09:27:12 AM »

It's strange that neither seems to get much love, but they are both such excellent pups.

Although, them still being available after 40+ years probably indicates they are very popular items that sell well, but not "boutique" enough for us to brag about.

I certainly failed for the last ~30 years!

Right now, I'd really like to get three FS-1s to throw in a Partscaster!
I'm still loving the SDS/FS//SDS combo. I can see the FS trio working well too.

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The Pickup Place / Re: SSS: [SDS-1 neck, FS-1 middle, SDS-1 bridge,]

« on: September 07, 2016, 02:31:20 AM »

Thank you for the reply!

I've heard the SDS described as P-90-ish. I am not familiar with P-90s, so I can't confirm or deny that. They are very strat-like at 5-7 on the volume controls, except they seem to have more mids and overall fullness. Above 7 up until full, they are more aggressive but still retain some stratiness. They seem to 'growl' a bit, which is what a P-90 is sometimes described as.

The FS-1 has more mid and roundness than a regular strat pup, but don't 'growl' when full up. Also, the 2-4 positions are strat-like with reduced volume and still funky (out of phase-ish) when full up.

It's been a couple of weeks and I'm still loving them as much as when I first plugged them in for the first time!

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Everything you wanted to know about .... / Re: Old SDS-1

« on: August 16, 2016, 09:27:48 AM »

Your description is spot on for an SDS-1.
The only thing you left out is that back then, it was only available in their creme color.

They are very P-90-ish when the volume is on 10, but become much more strat-like at about 7.

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The Pickup Place / Re: Replacement pickups for a H/S/H config

« on: August 16, 2016, 08:18:23 AM »

I certainly understand that!

When I started playing (back in the '70s), we had only a few choices, so choosing was much simpler.
Once a choice was made, we lived with it and learned to make it work.

Today, there are so many options, it's like picking the best potato chip from a bag of chips.
There are many that could be 'the one' but also many that could not work as well.

What I do, and what I'd recommend trying, is listen to people's suggestions, then try and find some YouTube videos to listen to and narrow it down.
Once you have made a choice, try to stop worrying/wondering if there is something better that you've missed, and focus on making it work. Avoid analysis paralysis!

Remind yourself that lots of great music was made with equipment that the musician simply made work for them because it was all that they could afford, or it was all that was available in that era.

Also, if you buy used, you can flip it for a minimal or no loss.

Best wishes for you finding what works for you!

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Guitar Lounge / Re: SSS Guitars

« on: August 15, 2016, 10:24:19 PM »

G&L

Both the USA and the Tribute Series are very well mad and sound good.
They are a great value if you get one used.

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The Pickup Place / Re: Does the FS-1 work in the neck?

« on: August 15, 2016, 08:11:50 PM »

I just put one in the middle position and love it so much I want to get a full set for a SSS configuration. I have used one in the bridge position and love it there also.

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The Pickup Place / Re: Replacement pickups for a H/S/H config

« on: August 15, 2016, 08:09:21 PM »

I have limited experience, but just put an FS-1 in the middle of an SSS and love it.

It's very 'strat-y' but higher output, and even with the SDS-1s in the neck and bridge, still gives a good 'strat-quack' in positions 2 & 4.

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The Pickup Place / SSS: [SDS-1 neck, FS-1 middle, SDS-1 bridge,]

« on: August 15, 2016, 07:37:14 PM »

I "rediscovered" my favorite strat over the weekend!
I figured Dimarzio lovers would appreciate this 'new' insight.

For years, I played a strat with an SDS-1 in the neck and bridge as my main guitar.
Then, in the early '80s, it seemed everyone discovered strats and so I replaced the original pups and put it aside.

Over the years, I'd pull it out, but it never excited me the way it did when I was younger.
I just assumed my tastes had changed.

So, a few weeks ago, someone was selling a pair of SDS-1 pups, I purchased them and I figured I'd try them out in this guitar.

WOW!
I fell in love with the guitar all over again.
The combination works SO GREAT for my needs in this guitar.
I can't believe it took me so long!

Anyone have similar stories? Or a joke about what a moron I've been?