ASAT Classic S vs. Brent Mason tele

[fraidykat]

Hi all,

I haven't been able to play guitar for a bit, but I'm starting to get back into it.

I have a 2007 Classic S, (my only tele, which i love),
but I'm wondering how it compares to a
Brent Mason-type tele, with the HB in the neck.
I love the versatility of the BMT, but not the feel.
I only got to play one unplugged for about 5 minutes.

Just looking for some opinions here, should I:

1) install a single-coil sized HB in the Classic S;
2) buy a Bluesboy and install a middle pickup and change the wiring;
3) make a partscaster version; or
4) forget the whole thing?

I'm still on the quest for a Holy Grail guitar,
and seem to be stuck on this combination.
Any and all opinions welcome.

Thanks,
Kate

[guitar_ed]

Hi Kate,

The search for the holy grail guitar. I know it well. Unfortunately for the pocket book and credit cards. (I am in the process of speccing out a National Reso-Phonic style O 14 fret that I am going to purchase, because...... Well, you get the idea.)

My thought: A parts caster. Any mods you make to a factory guitar that can't be backed out will ruin the value of the guitar. A disaster if you don't like the results of the changes.

You can order the neck, body, etc, that you want, mix & match, etc...... You can even purchase all of the pups you want, including G&Ls. So I would go that way.

Take care,

edg

[blargfromouterspace]

I'd add a mini-humbucker in the neck of the Classic S if you're after a Brent Mason sound. The Classic S has a 'swimming pool' route so all you'd need to cut is the pick guard - easy!

[crfowler]

I wouldn't monkey around with a nice guitar. Partscaster is my vote. I have one I put together with a mini-bucker in the bridge and a Gibby scale neck and like it a lot. Of course, if you're on a tight budget that changes the game - I suppose that for the cost of a new pickguard and pickup you could get a guitar you really love.

[huck]

I'd add a mini-humbucker in the neck of the Classic S if you're after a Brent Mason sound. The Classic S has a 'swimming pool' route so all you'd need to cut is the pick guard - easy!

+1 and if you don't like it, you could put it back the way it was for the price of a PG!, something to think about?

[NickHorne]

As Ed observed, the search for the holy grail is fraught.
My belief is that it can never exist; every guitar has a state in which it is the best it will ever be, and no one instrument does everything, but it's perfectly possible that it can do everything one player wants, short of trem / non-trem, or a radically different structure, like a big semi...
Getting a new pickguard made to carry a humbucker seems safe enough if it's fitted carefully, and the original stashed safely.
If I had a Classic S and loved it (and I've no doubt that I would!) I would allow myself that safe experiment, but I would never do any actual chopping-about to the wood of the guitar. In fact, the Classic S's mini-pool has always interested me as making a GREAT chassis for pickup choices / positions.
I can't imagine preferring any other maker's T-type to a G&L Asat, they're uniquely great.

[fraidykat]

Thanks everyone, great points.

I didn't realize that the Classic S has a swimming pool rout, that does make the mini HB possible.
I agree, I'd never remove any wood from the guitar. Just couldn't ruin it.

I am also thinking of picking up a used Tribute and changing the pups on it.
It'd be better quality than a parts caster and a lot less work.
Plus I'd have all of the G&L hardware already installed.

If anyone does find their Holy Grail guitar, please let me know.
I'd love to see it.

Kate

[NickHorne]

It's just a little pool, for the neck and middle pups. Rectangular, and not just two single-coil-shaped slots.
But it's all you need to experiment with, just an alternative pickguard and the pup(s) of choice.