EMG Guys, SA vs SAX…

[Frankencat]

I am a big fan of the SA set with an SPC in a Strat. I am building another one and I am wondering what the benefit of the SAX set is over the regular SA set. Whatcha got?

 

[paisleywookiee]

I don’t remember the specific difference, but IMO the SAX sounds better. Less sterile.

 

[metropolis_4]

The X series all sound more open and less compressed to me. A little closer to a natural passive pickup.

I like all the X series better than the older series

 

[Frankencat]

But I like the compressed sound of the SA.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

But I like the compressed sound of the SA.

Yeah, that’s sorta the reason to use EMGs.

 

[metropolis_4]

But I like the compressed sound of the SA.

Then you might not like them as well.

I mean, they still sound like EMGs, they’re just a bit more open sounding

 

[FuzzyAce]

Hmmm, I've never thought EMGs sounded compressed? No more or less than passive designs anyways.
Could be just the difference in magnets. The S or 81 I wouldn't consider compressed, but they're ceramic so that is probably why. SA, 85 are Alnico 5, with slightly more mids which could lend to a compressed feel I suppose. SAV isn't really compressed, but a tad brighter over all. Matter of fact it could use some compression lol.

 

[Frankencat]

I may try the SAX's in this Strat since I already have a Silver Sky with SA's.

 

[Jarick]

I may try the SAX's in this Strat since I already have a Silver Sky with SA's.

Okay I kinda love that idea. Silver Sky with EMG's would be a blast.

I've been wanting to do a Strat with the Lukather set forever...too bad the Silver Sky isn't routed for humbuckers!

 

[Frankencat]

 

[Frankencat]

Ok let’s expand on this a bit. I did this build with my usual SA+SPC setup and I like it but it’s maybe just a touch too warm sounding. I am thinking of going to an S in the neck or maybe S S SA to get a little more chime out of the neck position. Tell me about your experience with the S pickup please.

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

Ok let’s expand on this a bit. I did this build with my usual SA+SPC setup and I like it but it’s maybe just a touch too warm sounding. I am thinking of going to an S in the neck or maybe S S SA to get a little more chime out of the neck position. Tell me about your experience with the S pickup please.

View attachment 32160

Is that meant to be a David Gilmour/Gary Moore hybrid Stratocaster?

 

[FuzzyAce]

Ok let’s expand on this a bit. I did this build with my usual SA+SPC setup and I like it but it’s maybe just a touch too warm sounding. I am thinking of going to an S in the neck or maybe S S SA to get a little more chime out of the neck position. Tell me about your experience with the S pickup please.

View attachment 32160

S is my favorite EMG pickup fwiw. Used it for years, and will again soon for a build project. It's got a ton of presence/clarity and top end without being harsh, but still warm enough low end to sound balanced. Perfect for neck in middle, but works great in bridge also. Slightly more scooped than an SA I would say, but tighter overall and punchier when you hit it with gain. Rounder. A lot of adjectives here but if you're looking for a more clear and present option over the SA, then the S is a good choice.

 

[Frankencat]

Is that meant to be a David Gilmour/Gary Moore hybrid Stratocaster?

Kind of. I like to think of it as a Slamocaster.

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

Anyone tried an 89x with SPC and EXG controls? If so, are the sounds with the 89x in humbucker mode any good? Lastly, do I have to have the push pull volume pot last, just before the output jack, or can I have it in the standard vol -> tone -> tone Stratocaster control configuration?

Kind of. I like to think of it as a Slamocaster.

It definitely looks awesome.

 

[Frankencat]

Thanks man. It’s an alder vintage cut body with a relic nitro copper finish by MJT. I do my own finishes but I really liked this color and I do some business with the Jenny’s so they did this one up for me. The neck is a Fat ‘59 profile flame maple neck finished in nitro by me, rosewood compound-radius board, stainless jumbos, Callaham V/N bridge, EMG SA SA SA SPC electronics, Goto SD-91 staggered tuners, fitted-assembled-setup by me. I also build full scratch customs and other stuff but this is a tried and true recipe for me for a retro-modern Strat style axe. Super high quality and super fun to play. But I digress….

 

[FuzzyAce]

Thanks man. It’s an alder vintage cut body with a relic nitro copper finish by MJT. I do my own finishes but I really liked this color and I do some business with the Jenny’s so they did this one up for me. The neck is a Fat ‘59 profile flame maple neck finished in nitro by me, rosewood compound-radius board, stainless jumbos, Callaham V/N bridge, EMG SA SA SA SPC electronics, Goto SD-91 staggered tuners, fitted-assembled-setup by me. I also build full scratch customs and other stuff but this is a tried and true recipe for me for a retro-modern Strat style axe. Super high quality and super fun to play. But I digress….

It is a beauty. Love the color.

 

[Eagle]

SA for me because if I want true single coil tone I will use them. Embrace the “EMG” ness. Lots of great music played on them and amazing players used them over the years.

 

[Frankencat]

I have been playing them for years. SA’s favor a brighter guitar, this one is one the warmer side.