I'm thinking about pickup up an S500 or a Comanche. Have a Strat w/ vintage pups and if I buy one I'd prefer the model that's "more different" from the vintage Strat.
What sayeth the G&L experts?
Thanks.
S500 vs. Comanche: Which has the hotter/fatter pickup?
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Re: S500 vs. Comanche: Which has the hotter/fatter pickup?
Hi,
Which PUP is the most different from a Strat PUP?
First, both are very different. Different magnets, different design details. The Commanche though, for my money, would be "more different". To me, it has a sharper edge to it's sound.
Better? Worse? You need to compare them to determine which is better for you.
edg
Which PUP is the most different from a Strat PUP?
First, both are very different. Different magnets, different design details. The Commanche though, for my money, would be "more different". To me, it has a sharper edge to it's sound.
Better? Worse? You need to compare them to determine which is better for you.
edg
Piss off a politician, register to vote.
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Re: S500 vs. Comanche: Which has the hotter/fatter pickup?
I have a 2004 mahogany S500, I like it a lot. The pickup have qiuite high output comparable
with my "Gibson 57 classic". The design is based on a strong magnetic field with less windings.
This has the effect of a broader more even frequenzy response. This means Your tone control
will be more sensitive and the guitar tone itself will make more difference. It does not sound
like a strat it is indeed fatter. I have heard from some that they think it is too mellow. For me
those pickups combined with that tone curquit is a great match.
I don't know a whole lot about the Comanche, but my guess is that he "Z's" are thinner and brighter.
Cheers
L-zr
with my "Gibson 57 classic". The design is based on a strong magnetic field with less windings.
This has the effect of a broader more even frequenzy response. This means Your tone control
will be more sensitive and the guitar tone itself will make more difference. It does not sound
like a strat it is indeed fatter. I have heard from some that they think it is too mellow. For me
those pickups combined with that tone curquit is a great match.
I don't know a whole lot about the Comanche, but my guess is that he "Z's" are thinner and brighter.
Cheers
L-zr
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Re: S500 vs. Comanche: Which has the hotter/fatter pickup?
the z coils are higher output that the s500, at least in my experience.
they are also noiseless.
they are also noiseless.
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Re: S500 vs. Comanche: Which has the hotter/fatter pickup?
I think the Comanche sounds more different ..... I have heard the Legacy vs S 500 sound clips , I have a Legacy and a Comanche and the Comanche is quite a bit different and may even require a different amp setting than what your other guitars like ...... I'm digging my Comanche , it'll make the tubes scream for mercy ...lol
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Re: S500 vs. Comanche: Which has the hotter/fatter pickup?
I own two Comanches, two S-500s, three Legacy Specials and a bunch of Legacys.
I would recommend the Comanche as a compliment to your Fender. It is truly a unique guitar, capable of many tones, but it certainly does not sound like a vintage Strat. I think the fact that it is fully humbucking could be a huge asset in many situations.
As to the brightness issue I would say that without a doubt the S-500 is the brightest sounding. Compared to the Comanche Z-coils, the MFDs have a definite single coil "air" that the Zs do not. The Zs are very clear sounding unlike most HBs, but they are just missing a little bit of the top end of the MFDs. The MFDs have an edge to them that the Legacy alnicos do not have...it is a much more aggressive sounding pickup. The Legacy is definitely the choice for vintage Strat tones.
The Legacy Special is the choice if you want a thicker, more PAF-type tone. I like to gig with a Legacy and an LS model. I usually have a Paul or 335 in the rack too. The LS is unique in that with the PTB I can get closee to both alnico Legacy tones and yet still cover the thicker HB tones. I could make a strong case that the LS is the most different.
I like the S-500 for harder rock gigs where the high output pickups can really shine. The Comanche is great for recording and the bar gigs where all the neon signs and dimmers can mess with your noise floor.
The Comanche is a great guitar for creating a unique signature tone. It can go from bright and twangy to dark and powerful and FAT...all with a clarity not usually found in HB pickups.
See my post on "Comanches For Dummies" that Craig thoughtfully archived in the Knowledge Base...a great honor.
Good luck.
Bill
I would recommend the Comanche as a compliment to your Fender. It is truly a unique guitar, capable of many tones, but it certainly does not sound like a vintage Strat. I think the fact that it is fully humbucking could be a huge asset in many situations.
As to the brightness issue I would say that without a doubt the S-500 is the brightest sounding. Compared to the Comanche Z-coils, the MFDs have a definite single coil "air" that the Zs do not. The Zs are very clear sounding unlike most HBs, but they are just missing a little bit of the top end of the MFDs. The MFDs have an edge to them that the Legacy alnicos do not have...it is a much more aggressive sounding pickup. The Legacy is definitely the choice for vintage Strat tones.
The Legacy Special is the choice if you want a thicker, more PAF-type tone. I like to gig with a Legacy and an LS model. I usually have a Paul or 335 in the rack too. The LS is unique in that with the PTB I can get closee to both alnico Legacy tones and yet still cover the thicker HB tones. I could make a strong case that the LS is the most different.
I like the S-500 for harder rock gigs where the high output pickups can really shine. The Comanche is great for recording and the bar gigs where all the neon signs and dimmers can mess with your noise floor.
The Comanche is a great guitar for creating a unique signature tone. It can go from bright and twangy to dark and powerful and FAT...all with a clarity not usually found in HB pickups.
See my post on "Comanches For Dummies" that Craig thoughtfully archived in the Knowledge Base...a great honor.
Good luck.
Bill
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Re: S500 vs. Comanche: Which has the hotter/fatter pickup?
bill,Boogie Bill wrote:The Legacy is definitely the choice for vintage Strat tones.
I like to gig with a Legacy and an LS model. I like the S-500 for harder rock gigs where the high output pickups can really shine.
Bill
wouldn't the s-500 be more versatile than the regular legacy to take to gigs? can you adjust the ptb for the more vintage strat tones then have the aggressive option right there in the same guitar? i'm sure the truest vintage is in the regular legacy but the proximity would be close enough for a gig or so i am wondering. is there something else that discourages you from using the s-500?