Over To You!

it’s about time our modding readers chipped in with tales of want and woe. Dave Burrluck is your tone therapist…

Having realistic aims for your modding project is key for a successful result. One dose of realism comes with the realisation that you can’t always get what you want, however hard you try. One reader has a problem…

“I have a 1980s Japanese Fender ‘superstrat’ with a Kahler locking vibrato which I bought knowing I would change the pickups. Let me state first of all I am a Gibson man and like fat humbucker sounds. I can’t stand the thin pingy sound that I get when playing Strats, although loads of people get good sounds with them. I used to use a Fender Concert but now use a Marshall DSL 50 (Bletchley-made version).

“So, I changed the pickups years ago and now have a Seymour Duncan Custom Custom in the bridge position. No problems there, great sound. The problem is with positions two and three, middle and neck. Whatever I put in there has no ‘push’ or guts (projection might be a better word here, but I’m sure you get the picture). I have a Seymour Duncan APS-1 Alnico Pro II in the middle and an SSL 6 custom flat in the neck.

“I’ve also tried a JB Jnr in the neck and a Kent Armstrong STCR7, which was about twice as loud as anything else, so rejected it because of sound balance issues.

“So before I bin the guitar, can you suggest anything? Regards, Graham.”