Are all "single coil MFD pickups" the same?

[smileradio]

I am looking at an ASAT Special, but then am lured to the S-500 because of the PTB system. I think that I might be able to get more sounds (or different sounds) out of it simply because of the PTB system that's lacking on the Special. Are the pickups on those the same and just packaged in a different pickup enclosure? Same thing with the SC-3, are those the same as both the ASAT Special and the S-500? Are the tones similar at all from the ASAT Special to the S-500?

Thanks so much guys and gals!

[sirmyghin]

They are not the same pickups. The pickups are generally unique for each model. ASAT special pickups =/= SC-2 pickups =/= ASAT classic pickups =/= S-500 pickups


http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=38

[Xochitl]

Large MFD have more winds than regular ones. But appearances can be deceiving as I understand for example that large MFDs from the Classic Custom are wound differently than those from the Special and (I guess) SC-3s. You may want to read this page for more details: http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=38

Pick-up: G&L Magnetic Field Design soapbar style single coils

Impedance: 4.4K - 4.9K (pre-1992); 4.7K - 5.4K (post-1991); 4.8K-5.3K ASAT Junior; 4.8K-4.9K 20th Anniv; TBD ASAT Classic Custom neck; 5.4K-5.7K ASAT Super; 6.5K for the neck, 7.25-7.3K for middle RW/RP, and 7.25-7.3K for the bridge on the ASAT Trinity Special Edition; 4.7K-4.8K CLF Centennial ASAT

Found in these models:
SC-1, SC-2, Broadcaster, ASAT, ASAT Special, ASAT Junior, ASAT S-3, ASAT Special Semi-Hollow, 20th Anniversary Model, ASAT Classic Custom neck pickup, ASAT Classic Custom Semi-Hollow neck pickup, ASAT Super, ASAT Trinity Special Edition

These pickups have given G&L its enviable reputation for great tone. The soapbars have higher output than the Strat style MFDs and are "ballsy". They have more midrange than Gibson P-90 alnico soapbars while reproducing the P-90's well-known harmonic complexity. They are great for cutting through a mix. The bass response is strong and well focused. In the neck position, the soapbar MFD produces fine blues tone. In the bridge position, it has excellent spank and clarity for lead work. The ASAT Junior, 20th Anniversary Model, ASAT Super (neck over-wound with 42 gauge wire; bridge over-wound with 43 gauge wire), ASAT Trinity Special Edition, and SC-2 (2008-bridge only) pickups are over-wound. The ASAT Classic Custom and ASAT Classic Custom Semi-hollow neck pickup pole piece bushings are longer than the standard ASAT Special pickup. An extra 200 windings were added, but they stack up entirely differently and the magnet is further down under as well. They are warm and fat but still have tonal characteristics of the standard MFD single coil.

[smileradio]

man.. you guys are great. Thanks so much for the quick responses. A friend of mine wants to sell his 1980s SC-3 for $600. Beautiful guitar, but I have really been GASing for an ASAT Special. I was hoping the pickups would be the same, and that the only difference would be the PTB system. Now it is time for decisions... what do you think? Both could be an option... I will just need to save up a bit more. Is $600 good for an SC-3 with matching headstock?
Thanks again...

[sirmyghin]

man.. you guys are great. Thanks so much for the quick responses. A friend of mine wants to sell his 1980s SC-3 for $600. Beautiful guitar, but I have really been GASing for an ASAT Special. I was hoping the pickups would be the same, and that the only difference would be the PTB system. Now it is time for decisions... what do you think? Both could be an option... I will just need to save up a bit more. Is $600 good for an SC-3 with matching headstock?
Thanks again...

If the guitar is in good shape I would think that is a very good price. The pickups are likely close, if not exact. Especially given the timeline pickups have probably evolved. A lot of folks here rave over Leo era stuff, and the pickups pickups seem to be a hot topic.

[smileradio]

Cool. Thanks so much for the reply. If it's still available I'll probably pick it up. I love Leo Era stuff and it's be nice to get in on some gear while the prices are still reasonable. do you have any favorites?

[zapcosongs]

I just found this thread and it would be useful to know what kind of music you play. Also, are you an "S" or a "T" guy? The guitars you are considering are very different animals. Try them both before deciding if at all possible. I wouldn't worry so much about the specifications of the respective mfd pickups. - ed

btw, Welcome!

[smileradio]

Hey Ed!
Thanks for the welcome... I am a Tele guy. I do own an American Tele, a 1978 Tele Deluxe, and a semi hollow ASAT Z-3. You can listen to the style of music at www.smileradiomusic.com to give you an idea. It's pop rock basically. The reason that I am considering a more Strat style guitar is simply because I don't have one. I feel like it couldn't hurt to get the whole spectrum in my collection (which wouldn't be bad for a 27 year old law student with growwwwwwwwing student loans). But if a deal is out there then I am willing to snatch it up.
I was looking at a Legacy, or maybe an S-500 or SC-3... simply because I don't have a guitar like that. But, of course, I don't "really" have a guitar like an ASAt Special... man. So many options. Any ideas?
Thanks again!

[KenC]

$600 for a matching-headstock SC-3 sounds like a great deal. I haven't played an SC-3, but I understand they can be quite bright. From experience, I can speak for the Leo-era S-500s (at least the very early ones) and Skyhawks. Both of mine are excellent guitars. I'm pretty certain my '82 S-500 pre-dates the PTB, but with a mahogany body and maple board it absolutely sparkles. Currently I'm playing through a Jazz Chorus, so I can't vouch for how it would drive an amp. It has gorgeous clean tones. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "airy". If I could add a second word, it would be "sparkling". I think Jaystrings still has an '82 S-500 with mahogany body and ebony board on the Marketplace.

My Skyhawk is from the mid-80s. I've never taken the neck off to confirm the date, but it has the features of the earlier years. The sound is significantly darker than the S-500. I've heard similar experiences from others. I'm not saying that as a negative. It's just a different sound, with a lot more fundamental and less overtones than the S-500.

Both of these instruments are tremendously versatile.

I hope this helps.

Ken

[smileradio]

It totally helps, Ken. Thanks so much. My friend ended up selling the SC-3 to a "non" friend for close to $1,000. I can't blame him. Now I just need to be on the lookout for another one.
Thanks again everyone...
Paul